Research aim:
- To estimate treatment effects of Imagery Rehearsal therapy (IRT) and mianserine on sleep quality, sleep length and nightmares compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in CTP
- To study the relation between enhanced sleep, PTSD-symptoms, observer rated functioning and self-rated quality of life
Design: Randomised controlled trial
Population: 230 trauma-affected refugees referred for treatment at CTP
Methods: Patients will be randomised to one of four treatment groups: 1) Treatment as usual (TAU) in CTP (manualbased Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, medicine according to algorithm and psychoeducation). 2) TAU and add-on treatment with mianserine. 3) TAU and add-on treatment with IRT. 4) TAU and add-on treatment with mianserine and IRT. The primary outcome in this trial is sleep disturbances measured on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Primary investigator: Hinuga Sandahl, MD, PhD
Supervisors: Jessica Carlsson, MD, PhD, Poul Jennum, MD, PhD, Lone Baandrup, MD, PhD
Publications
Sandahl, H., Jennum, P., Baandrup, L., Poschmann, I. S., & Carlsson, J. (2017). Treatment of sleep disturbances in trauma-affected refugees: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 18, 1-13.
Sandahl, H., Carlsson, J., Sonne, C., Mortensen, E. L., Jennum, P., & Baandrup, L. (2021). Investigating the link between subjective sleep quality, symptoms of PTSD, and level of functioning in a sample of trauma-affected refugees. Sleep, 44(9).
Sandahl, H., Baandrup, L., Vindbjerg, E., Jennum, P., & Carlsson, J. (2021). Social zeitgebers and circadian dysrhythmia are associated with severity of symptoms of PTSD and depression in trauma-affected refugees. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 271(7), 1319-1329.
Sandahl, H., Korshøj, M., Mortensen, O. S., & Carlsson, J. (2024). Increase in physical activity is associated with an increase in sleep efficiency, but not with improvement in symptoms of PTSD: analysis of longitudinal data in trauma-affected refugees. Journal of Activity, Sedentary and Sleep Behaviors, 3(1), 7.