CRIM for FBC in Refugees Feasibility
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cognitive Restructuring and Imagery Modification for Feelings of Contamination Associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Refugees Feasibility Study
IRAS ID
305713
Contact name
Courtney Stich
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2022/02/142 health research, UCL Data protection registration
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Refugees and Asylum seekers (RAS) are a growing population in the U.K. with complex health needs, including mental health often due to exposure to violence. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent in refugee populations. NICE guidelines state that Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Trauma- focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TfCBT) should be offered to refugees experiencing PTSD. Access to treatment through the NHS can vary for RAS for multiple reasons, including: long wait times, limited availability of TfCBT trained therapists, avoidance of discussing traumatic experiences, language barriers, current stressors impacting access to treatment. There is a need to continue to develop effective and efficient treatments for this population.
Pervasive feelings of being contaminated (FBC) is a lesser-known but debilitating symptom which has begun to be targeted in treatments. FBC is the overwhelming feeling of being physically dirty despite evidence and actions to the contrary. This contamination reinforces PTSD symptoms. A novel protocol, Cognitive Restructuring and Imagery Modification (CRIM) was developed by Steil, Jung, & Stangier (2011) to reduce feelings of contamination. CRIM has been shown to be effective in reducing FBC and PTSD more generally. As it is a 3 session protocol and does not require psychologists to be administered, it may be particularly useful in an NHS context to support this vulnerable group.Treatments for feelings of contamination have not been studied in RAS and offer potential relief to refugees in reducing challenging symptoms, improving their quality of life and benefitting long-term health outcomes. Despite the possible benefits, recruitment from this population can be challenging and prevalence is unknown. This research will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability and record efficacy of utilising CRIM to reduce feelings of FBC in a population of RAS with PTSD.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SC/0269
Date of REC Opinion
7 Sep 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion