EMDR Flash Group Protocol for Earthquake Survivors

NCT07672613 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: EMDRFLASHGP-2023-RCT
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 410
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the preliminary effects of the online EMDR Flash Group Protocol among adults affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye. Participants were randomly assigned to either the EMDR Flash Group Protocol or a waitlist control group. The primary outcome was change in posttraumatic stress symptoms measured by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.

Conditions

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Acute Stress Disorder; Anxiety; Depression

Keywords

Flash Technique; EMDR; Flash Group Protocol; Early Intervention; Kahramanmaras Earthquake; Telemedicine; PTSD; Traumatic Stress

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in PTSD Symptoms (PCL-5 Total Score)

  Change in posttraumatic stress symptom severity measured by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) total score from baseline to 3-month follow-up.

  Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Change in Depression Symptoms (DASS-21 Depression)

  Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.

• Change in Anxiety Symptoms (DASS-21 Anxiety)

  Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.

• Change in Stress Symptoms (DASS-21 Stress)

  Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.

Study Arms (2)

EMDR Flash Group Protocol

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received the online EMDR Flash Group Protocol delivered by trained mental health professionals. The intervention consisted of two group sessions lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes and was conducted via Zoom approximately one month after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

Behavioral: EMDR Flash Group Protocol

Waitlist Control

NO INTERVENTION

Participants assigned to the waitlist control group did not receive the EMDR Flash Group Protocol during the study period and completed the same assessment schedule as the intervention group.

Interventions

EMDR Flash Group Protocol BEHAVIORAL

The EMDR Flash Group Protocol was delivered online via Zoom by trained mental health professionals. The intervention consisted of two group sessions lasting approximately 60-90 minutes and was administered approximately one month after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

EMDR Flash Group Protocol

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Age 18 years or older
• Present in the earthquake-affected region during the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes
• Directly experienced the earthquake or were affected through disaster-related exposure
• Ability to participate in online sessions
• Access to the necessary technological equipment and internet connection
• Ability to provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Intellectual disability
• Current or past psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia)
• Bipolar disorder
• History of severe head trauma
• Inability to participate in the online intervention format

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Galata University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Galata University

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute; Anxiety Disorders; Depression

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Stress Disorders, Traumatic; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders; Mental Disorders; Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: Due to the nature of the intervention, participants and intervention providers were aware of group assignment after randomization.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the EMDR Flash Group Protocol or a waitlist control condition.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 23, 2026
• First Posted: June 29, 2026
• Study Start: March 2, 2023
• Primary Completion: June 20, 2023
• Study Completion: June 25, 2023
• Last Updated: June 29, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Locations

TU (1)