Implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder in Azerbaijan.

Background

Following the second Karabakh War, mental health services in Azerbaijan encountered significant challenges due to an increased number of traumatised individuals. To address the needs of people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), two evidence-based treatments, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Written Exposure Therapy (WET), have been selected for future implementation in the country.

Objective

This study aims to present preliminary findings on the training and implementation of CPT and WET.Method: Forty-two clinicians participated in the training programme, with 24 enrolled in CPT training and 18 in WET training. The programme included a self-administered online course, workshops, and consultations. Following each phase of training, clinicians completed the Perceived Characteristics of Intervention Scale (PICS) to assess the effectiveness and legitimacy of trauma-focused therapies.

Results

Our results indicated a positive trend in perception from one assessment to another (F(2, 82) = 20.2, p < .001, η2p = .330), along with a decrease in perceived risk associated with treatment (F(2, 82) = 5.3, p < .007, η2p = .114). Additionally, the study found that belonging to either the CPT or WET training group did not significantly influence positive perception.

Conclusions

These findings confirm the feasibility of utilising CPT and WET by clinicians providing services for PTSD patients in Azerbaijan.