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Testimony psychotherapy in Bosnian refugees: a pilot study
S M Weine1, A D Kulenovic, I Pavkovic
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60612, USA. smweine@uic.edu
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|December 8, 1998
Summary
Testimony psychotherapy significantly reduced symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in Bosnian refugees. This trauma therapy also improved overall functioning in survivors of state-sponsored violence.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Trauma Studies
- Refugee Mental Health
Background:
- Adult refugees from genocide in Bosnia-Herzegovina often experience severe psychological distress.
- Trauma-informed care is crucial for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the application of testimony psychotherapy.
- To evaluate its effectiveness in traumatized adult Bosnian refugees.
Main Methods:
- A case series of 20 Bosnian refugees receiving testimony psychotherapy (average 6 sessions).
- Standardized instruments assessed PTSD, depression, and functioning before, during, and after treatment (2 and 6-month follow-ups).
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in PTSD diagnosis rates and symptom severity (reexperiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal).
- Significant decreases in depressive symptoms and significant increases in global functioning.
- Sustained improvements observed at 2- and 6-month follow-ups.
Conclusions:
- Testimony psychotherapy shows preliminary efficacy in improving PTSD and depressive symptoms.
- This trauma therapy may enhance functioning in survivors of state-sponsored violence.