​Dear former project participant 

During 2012-2014 you received treatment at the Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry (formerly Psychiatric Trauma Clinic for Refugees at the Psychiatric Centre Gentofte). You have previously indicated that you would like to be informed about the results of the research project in which you participated during your treatment period. The purpose of this letter is to inform you about the results of the project. No action from you is required. 

The research project aimed to investigate the effect of two antidepressants; sertraline and venlafaxine, as well as examine whether some subgroups of patients got better treatment outcomes than others. 

We found antidepressants to have an effect on self-rated psychological symptoms, well-being and social function. The two drugs were found to be almost equally good on most of the measurement tools used in the study. Sertraline however, may have had a slightly better effect on the participants' level of functioning. As the differences in effect between the drugs seem to be quite small, we do NOT advise participants to change their medication based on the study results. 

We also found that women generally seem to have a better treatment outcome than men and that it is slightly more difficult to get a positive treatment outcome if your financial situation / job situation is uncertain. In addition, the research project showed that refugees who have only been in Denmark for a short while tend to have a slightly better treatment outcome than those who have been in Denmark for a longer period. This difference in outcome may be explained by the fact that psychiatric symptoms are increasingly difficult to treat the longer they have been present (in some cases for many years).

If you are experiencing psychological symptoms in the aftermath of one or several disturbing incidents, we therefore advise you to book an appointment with your general practitioner immediately. He or she is able to refer you to appropriate treatment if necessary. 

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your participation in the research project. Yours and other patients’ participation in our projects are invaluable for us in order to constantly improve our treatment, so that future patients can receive the most effective treatment possible.

I hope you have been satisfied with the treatment program at Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry as well as the information you have received about the research project. Should you have any questions about the project's results or whether they have any influence on your treatment, please feel free to contact me by e-mail or phone. 

Best regards 

Charlotte Sonne, medical doctor and project investigator, on behalf of the entire research team 

Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry 

Mental health Centre Ballerup 

Maglevænget 2 

2750 Ballerup 

E-mail: charlotte.sonne@regionh.dk 

Phone: 3864 5178