Randomised clinical trial investigating memory training for recovery-adolescents in addressing psychiatric concerns among adolescents in Iraq.

Background: In this randomised clinical trial, we investigated the efficacy of MEmory Training for Recovery-Adolescent (METRA) in improving psychiatric symptoms among adolescents in Iraq.

Methods: In the study, we included adolescents aged 10-19 years with heightened psychiatric distress living in Kirkuk. It was a parallel-group trial comparing METRA with treatment as usual (TAU), with a three-month follow-up.

Predicting Anxiety and Depression Based on Video Game Addiction with the Mediating Role of Social Support.

Background: Today, computer games have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment, especially among teenagers. While games may have various benefits, video games are shown to have different consequences for players, especially those who are younger, and can be highly addictive. The present research investigated the effect of computer game addiction on anxiety and depression in adolescents with the mediating role of social support.

Acceptance and commitment therapy versus trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy: A comparative study of the effects on the posttraumatic stress symptoms of female Afghan adolescents.

The objective of this study was to conduct a randomized control trial investigating the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) compared to a trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) in treating symptoms of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in female Afghan adolescents. Participants were randomly assigned to the ACT (20 participants; M = 14.8 [SD = 1.

Psychological Problems in the Context of Political Violence in Afghan Children.

Purpose Of Review: This review provides an overview of recent literature examining psychological problems in the context of political violence among Afghan children.

Recent Findings: Using recent literature (2018-2023) we identified: 1) heightened levels of psychological problems experienced by children in Afghanistan; 2) the factors associated with these psychological problems, including loss of family and community members, poverty, continuous risk of injury and death, gender, substance use, war, daily stressors, and poor access to education; 3) psychological problems have potentially worsened since the 2021 political changes; 4) conflict and poverty have resulted in violence against children being a serious issue; 5) emerging psychological interventions have been adapted to Afghan contexts; and 6) there is a desperate need for psychological assistance and further research in the region. All children in Afghanistan have experienced conflict and political violence.

Examining MEmory Training for Recovery-Adolescent among Afghan adolescent boys: a pilot randomised controlled trial.

To conduct a pilot randomised controlled trial examining the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of MEmory Training for Recovery-Adolescent (METRA) in improving psychological symptoms among Afghan adolescent boys following a terrorist attack. A pilot randomised controlled trial compared METRA to a Control Group, with a three-month follow-up. The study occurred in Kabul (June-November 2022).

Afghan mental health and psychosocial well-being: thematic review of four decades of research and interventions.

Background: Four decades of war, political upheaval, economic deprivation and forced displacement have profoundly affected both in-country and refugee Afghan populations.

Aims: We reviewed literature on mental health and psychosocial well-being, to assess the current evidence and describe mental healthcare systems, including government programmes and community-based interventions.

Method: In 2022, we conducted a systematic search in Google Scholar, PTSDpubs, PubMed and PsycINFO, and a hand search of grey literature ( = 214 papers).

Effect of the Memory Training for Recovery-Adolescent Intervention vs Treatment as Usual on Psychiatric Symptoms Among Adolescent Girls in Afghanistan: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Adolescents who experience conflict in humanitarian contexts often have high levels of psychiatric distress but rarely have access to evidence-based interventions.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of Memory Training for Recovery-Adolescent (METRA) intervention in improving psychiatric symptoms among adolescent girls in Afghanistan.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This randomized clinical trial included girls and young women aged 11 to 19 years with heightened psychiatric distress living in Kabul, Afghanistan, and was conducted as a parallel-group trial comparing METRA with treatment as usual (TAU), with a 3-month follow-up.

Prevalence of Poor Mental Health Among Adolescents in Kabul, Afghanistan, as of November 2021.

This cross-sectional study assesses the mental health of adolescents in Afghanistan and evaluates their risk of having a psychiatric disorder by age and sex.

Investigating the Feasibility, Acceptability and Efficacy of Using Modified-Written Exposure Therapy in the Aftermath of a Terrorist Attack on Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Afghan Adolescent Girls.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, acceptability and feasibility of using modified written exposure therapy (m-WET) to treat symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Afghan adolescent girls in the aftermath of a terrorist attack.

Methods: 120 Afghan (Hazara) adolescent girls who had been exposed to the Sayed al-Shuhada school terrorist attack were randomly assigned to the m-WET ( = 40), trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) ( = 40), or control groups ( = 40). m-WET involved five consecutive daily group sessions where participants simply wrote about the terrorist attack including thoughts and feelings.

A Cross-Cultural and Trans-Generational Study: Links between Psychological Characteristics and Socio-Political Tendency amongst Urban Population in Afghanistan.

Aim: This study examined how psychosocial characteristics might relate to adherence to democratic values among young and older people within two different cultural contexts in Afghanistan.

Method: Self-report questionnaires were employed to measure empathy, theory of mind, gender role equality, openness to experiences, suggestibility, authoritarianism and support for democracy. A sample of 669 people from younger (18-25 years) and older (45 years and above) age groups from different cultural backgrounds in Afghanistan participated in the study.