Problem Management Plus (PM+) for Syrian refugees in the Netherlands

Abstract

Abstract Background Refugees are at considerable risk to develop common mental disorders and related somatic health symptoms. In order to meet the mental health needs of individuals affected by crisis worldwide, the World Health Organization has developed a set of transdiagnostic low-intensity psychological interventions. These interventions, including Problem Management Plus (PM+) and its variants, are delivered by trained non-professional counsellors under supervision of local clinicians. The EU H2020 STRENGTHS project evaluates the effectiveness of these interventions across refugee settings in Europe and the Middle East. This presentation will present the results of a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) on individual PM+ in the Netherlands. Methods Syrian refugees (N = 60) with elevated levels of psychological distress (10 item-Kessler Psychological Distress Scale >15) and impaired daily functioning (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 >16) were randomized into PM + (N=30)) or care-as-usual control (CAU; N = 30). The main outcomes were symptoms of depression and anxiety at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were functioning, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, service utilisation and health costs. Results At 3 months follow-up, the PM+ group had significantly lower scores than control for depression (d=.52?) and anxiety (d=.48), symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (d=.66, p = .006?), functional impairment (d=.73, p = .009) and self-identified problems (d=.81, p = .005). PM+ potentially may be cost effective with an ICER of €5,047, (95% CI €0, €19773) per additional recovery achieved. Conclusions PM+ delivered by non-specialist peer-refugee helpers has the potential be effective in reducing depression, anxiety, improving functioning, and reducing health costs. Larger RCTs on the effects of PM+ are currently conducted within the EU STRENGTHS project.