Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)FlashGP-EQNCT07672613
EMDR Flash Group Protocol for Earthquake Survivors
A study testing EMDR Flash Group Protocol in people with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder, run by Istanbul Galata University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder, Anxiety
- What is being tested?
- EMDR Flash Group Protocol
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 410 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 2 Mar 2023to 25 Jun 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Preliminary Effects of an Early EMDR Flash Group Intervention on Traumatic Stress, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms Among Earthquake Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
Read the detailed description
The Kahramanmaraş earthquakes of February 2023 affected millions of people and were associated with substantial psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Early psychological interventions may help reduce acute distress and improve posttraumatic outcomes following disaster exposure.
This pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted approximately one month after the earthquakes. Adults affected by the disaster were recruited online and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the EMDR Flash Group Protocol intervention or a waitlist control condition. The intervention was delivered online via Zoom by trained mental health professionals using a standardized protocol consisting of two group sessions.
The primary objective was to evaluate the preliminary effects of the EMDR Flash Group Protocol on posttraumatic stress symptoms. Secondary objectives were to evaluate changes in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Outcomes were assessed using self-report measures at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.
This study was conducted as a pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention following a large-scale natural disaster.
- Being tested
- EMDR Flash Group Protocol
- Keywords
- Flash Technique, EMDR, Flash Group Protocol, Early Intervention, Kahramanmaras Earthquake, Telemedicine, PTSD, Traumatic Stress
- Medical subject headings
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute, Anxiety Disorders, Depression
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
EMDR Flash Group ProtocolBehavioural
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Receives: 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. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.
Secondary outcomes (3)
Change in Depression Symptoms (DASS-21 Depression)
Change in depression symptom severity measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) Depression subscale from baseline to 3-month follow-up.
Measured: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.
Change in Anxiety Symptoms (DASS-21 Anxiety)
Change in anxiety symptom severity measured by the DASS-21 Anxiety subscale from baseline to 3-month follow-up.
Measured: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.
Change in Stress Symptoms (DASS-21 Stress)
Change in depression symptom severity measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) Depression subscale from baseline to 3-month follow-up.
Measured: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Jun 2026
- Study start2 Mar 2023
- Primary completion20 Jun 2023
- Study completion25 Jun 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the EMDR Flash Group Protocol or a waitlist control condition.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 410 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Galata University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Çiğdem Kınık, Istanbul Galata University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07672613
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- EMDRFLASHGP-2023-RCT
- Acronym
- FlashGP-EQ
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 29 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Preliminary Effects of an Early EMDR Flash Group Intervention on Traumatic Stress, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms Among Earthquake Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07672613
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FlashGP-EQ / EMDRFLASHGP-2023-RCT
- Keywords
- Flash Technique, EMDR, Flash Group Protocol, Early Intervention, Kahramanmaras Earthquake, Telemedicine, PTSD, Traumatic Stress
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 410 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Galata UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Mar 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Jun 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Jun 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
The Kahramanmaraş earthquakes of February 2023 affected millions of people and were associated with substantial psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Early psychological interventions may help reduce acute distress and improve posttraumatic outcomes following disaster exposure.
This pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted approximately one month after the earthquakes. Adults affected by the disaster were recruited online and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the EMDR Flash Group Protocol intervention or a waitlist control condition. The intervention was delivered online via Zoom by trained mental health professionals using a standardized protocol consisting of two group sessions.
The primary objective was to evaluate the preliminary effects of the EMDR Flash Group Protocol on posttraumatic stress symptoms. Secondary objectives were to evaluate changes in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Outcomes were assessed using self-report measures at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.
This study was conducted as a pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention following a large-scale natural disaster.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the EMDR Flash Group Protocol or a waitlist control condition.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| EMDR Flash Group Protocol | Experimental | Behavioral: EMDR Flash Group ProtocolParticipants 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. |
| 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| EMDR Flash Group ProtocolThe 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. | Behavioural | EMDR Flash Group Protocol |
Primary outcome
Change in PTSD Symptoms (PCL-5 Total Score)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.
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.
3 secondary outcomes
Change in Depression Symptoms (DASS-21 Depression)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.
Change in Anxiety Symptoms (DASS-21 Anxiety)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.
Change in Stress Symptoms (DASS-21 Stress)
Time frame: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing EMDR Flash Group Protocol in people with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder, run by Istanbul Galata University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in PTSD Symptoms (PCL-5 Total Score) (time frame: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Jun 2026.