A randomized trial of a reconciliation workshop with and without PTSD psychoeducation in Burundian sample

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) psychoeducation is increasingly offered in diverse cultural settings. As the literature offers theoretical arguments for why such information might be normalizing and distress-reducing, or might risk morbid suggestion of greater vulnerability, a two-sided hypothesis was proposed to examine the specific effect of PTSD psychoeducation. Participants of a trauma healing and reconciliation intervention in Burundi were randomized to conditions with and without PTSD psychoeducation, or to a waitlist control. Both interventions reduced symptoms more than the waitlist. Participants in the condition without psychoeducation experienced a greater reduction in PTSD symptoms relative to other conditions. Findings are discussed in relationship to intervention development for traumatic stress in nonindustrialized and culturally diverse settings.

The Role of Psychoeducation in Trauma Recovery: Recommendations for Content and Delivery

“…Three examinations into psychoeducation for trauma have concluded that participants showed no improvement or worsening trauma-related problems associated with psychoeducation (Dunn et al, 2007;Niles et al, 2012;Yeomans, Forman, Herbert, & Yuen, 2010) while two studies identified mixed results or only short-term client benefits (Oflaz, Hatipoglu, & Aydin, 2008;Wong, Marshall, & Miles, 2013). In a study comparing a mindfulness-based telehealth intervention to a psychoeducation-based one for combat veterans with PTSD, participants in the mindfulness approach described more satisfaction and more short-term reduction in trauma-related symptoms than the psychoeducation group (Niles et al, 2012).…”

“…In a study comparing a mindfulness-based telehealth intervention to a psychoeducation-based one for combat veterans with PTSD, participants in the mindfulness approach described more satisfaction and more short-term reduction in trauma-related symptoms than the psychoeducation group (Niles et al, 2012). A randomized trial contrasting recovery workshops for Burundian earthquake survivors found that participants in a workshop without PTSD psychoeducation described greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than those in a workshop that included this training (Yeomans at al., 2010). In another randomized trial which involved 101 male veterans who had chronic combatrelated PTSD and depressive disorders, investigators concluded that participants in the selfmanagement therapy which included psychoeducation showed no clinically significant improvements compared to the control group (Dunn et al, 2007).…”

A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study of a Single-Session Psychoeducation Treatment for Urban, Culturally Diverse, Trauma-Exposed Adults

“…Typically, psychoeducation is included at the start of evidence-based treatment protocols such as Exposure Therapy (ET), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and cognitive behavioral therapies (Foa et al, 2009). Little research exists on the specific effects of psychoeducation (Ehlers et al, 2003; Yeomans, Forman, Herbert, & Yuen, 2010) to decrease symptoms of PTSD and other common trauma related symptoms.…”

“…Preliminary studies investigating the specific effects of psychoeducation for reducing distress in trauma-exposed adults (Ehlers et al, 2003; Yeomans et al, 2010) have yielded inconsistent results. One study suggests a single session of psychoeducation may reduce PTSD symptoms (Resnick et al, 2007).…”

Exploring Psychological Distress in Burundi During and After the Armed Conflict

“…However, only a couple of studies have been carried out in recent years; Yeomans and colleagues reported high levels of depression (40 %) and anxiety (61 %) among community adults (Yeomans et al 2008) and internally displaced (Yeomans et al 2010) Burundians. These results highlight the persisting mental health needs of the population, and call for more efforts towards the delivery of mental health interventions in the community.…”