KIDNET vs EMDR vs Waitlist in refugeechildren with PTSD (symptoms) in the Netherlands

Background: Prevalence of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees is reportedly higher in comparison to the general population. Refugee children specifically are challenged by developmental tasks, adjustment and integration, whilst often coping with trauma and loss. With staggering numbers of people seeking refuge around the world, and 50% being under 19 years of age, research examining the effects of trauma-focused therapies for refugee children with PTSD is lagging behind. EMDR and Kid-NET are both promising methods, although studies so far have been methodologically weak and treatment methods have not been compared.
Objective: The aim of the current study is to investigate the preliminary effectiveness of EMDR and Kid-NET, compared to a waitlist control group, offered to refugee children, combining qualitative and quantitative data, using a rigorous design.
Method: A randomized controlled trial has been designed. Primary outcome is PTSD symptom severity assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children DSM-5 (CAPS-CA) at baseline (T1), after eight sessions of treatment or waiting (T2) and at follow-up (T3). Additionally, self-report instruments to assess traumasymptoms, behavioural responses and quality of life perceptions in both children and their parents, are conducted at T1, T2 and T3. After treatment, participants are being interviewed about their perception of treatment process and effectiveness.
Discussion: This is the first RCT that examines the effectiveness of EMDR and Kid-Net in refugee children specifically, compared to a waitlist control group, intended to reduce PTSD complaints in a growing and challenging population.

1) EMDR is more effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD behavioral and emotional symptoms and improving quality of life in refugee children and adolescents currently living in the Netherlands, when compared to a waiting list control group.
2) KIDNET is more effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, behavioral and emotional symptoms and improving quality of life in refugee children and adolescents currently living in the Netherlands, when compared to a waiting list control group.
3) Both trauma-focused interventions equally reach efficacy in refugee children.
4) Which factors are predictive of treatment outcome (e.g., gender, age, type of traumatic experience, decision on asylum request, caregiver’s level of anxiety and their beliefs with regard to therapy)?
5) Is there a difference in treatment satisfaction between EMDR and KID NET? And is treatment satisfaction as verbalized by the minors, associated with treatment outcome? (no hypothesis)

T1 start treatment; T2 end of treatment; T3 3-month follow-up

EMDR, KIDNET