Treating PTSD among unaccompanied minor refugees in Greece with KidNET : A narrative literature review

Abstract: Over the last couple of years, more than a million unaccompanied minor refugees (UMRs) have made it to the European Union. Their journeys have been long, tough, and hard and each unaccompanied minor refugee has a unique story, but they all share one thing. The traumatic events they have witnessed and experienced along the way have affected their mental health. Mental health issues, often symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are very common among UMRs. Untreated issues can lead to chronic PTSD, which could impact them for the rest of their lives. UMRs need support to process the traumas they have experienced, and one possible intervention is NET, Narrative Exposure Therapy. NET is an evidence-based, short-term, individual form of therapy. Supported by a therapist, the individual talk through his/her whole life while putting emphasis on the traumatic events aiming to work through and past them. The adapted form of NET that is used to treat children is called KidNET. Based on the hypothesis that KidNET has positive effects, reduces symptoms of PTSD, and strengthens mental health, the aim of the study is to show the effects of KidNET when treating traumatized children diagnosed with PTSD. Further objectives are set to see how effective KidNET is when compared to control groups, and if KidNET can be recommended as a suitable intervention to use among UMRs suffering from PTSD in Greece. A narrative literature review is chosen as the research method to reach the aim. The review revealed overall positive effects when using KidNET as an intervention targeting traumatized children with PTSD in various settings in different parts of the world. Positive effects found were better daily functioning, an ability to engage in meaningful activities, a reduction in feelings of guilt, stigmatization, and suicidal ideation, a decrease in the severity of PTSD and depression symptoms, and a full recovery from major clinical depression and PTSD. No negative effects were found in any of the studies included in the review. Several studies were limited by small sample sizes, no passive control group and not enough follow-up assessments. However, the overall outcome shows successful results and KidNET is found to be a suitable intervention when treating PTSD among UMRs in Greece, but further studies are recommended.