Randomized Control Trials of CBT to Manage the Mental Health Related Issues of Flood Victimized in Taunsa Sharif and Rajanpur City

Abstract

Floods in Pakistan have been recurring disasters with devastating consequences, causing displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of lives. The consequences of these floods have a significant and sustained impact on the mental well-being of the victims, with multiple psychological disorders being constantly reported. The core aim of this study was to alleviate the mental health problems of flood victims in Taunsa Sharif and Rajanpur city of Pakistan. For this purpose, two groups (experimental group vs control group) of flood victimized individuals in Taunsa Sharif & Rajanpur city was randomly formed by randomization process. The experimental group received 10 sessions of CBT while control group was only engaged. The results after therapy sessions and 3 months’ follow-up revealed a significant change in the symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress and sleep issues of the flood victimized who attended the CBT sessions in experimental group. On the basis of the findings this concluded that the CBT is an effective technique to manage the mental health related issues of flood victims. So, on the basis of the results of this study, it is suggested that the authorities should start intervention programs such as CBT training sessions in the affected areas to promote the mental health of the flood victimized individuals.