KIT – Integrated Trauma Treatment in Psychosis

KIT (Key to Integrated Trauma Treatment in Psychosis) is a national, randomised clinical trial investigating the effects of trauma treatment in patients with psychosis. Many people with psychosis have experienced trauma, but these traumatic experiences are often not treated as part of standard care. KIT therefore aims to strengthen the evidence base for personalised and integrated trauma treatment in psychosis.

The study investigates the effects of two treatment approaches: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), adapted for people with psychosis. Participants are randomised to receive either trauma treatment immediately or following a six-month waiting-list period.

Data are collected at baseline, midway through treatment, at the end of treatment, and during the follow-up period after treatment. Participants also complete digital self-report questionnaires every other week. The study examines, among other things, effects on psychosis and trauma symptoms, other mental health difficulties, functioning, health, and therapeutic alliance. In addition, it investigates factors that may influence treatment outcomes, including the relationship with the therapist, support from next of kin, symptom profile, and biomarkers.

Helgeland Hospital Trust leads a separate work package investigating whether the type of trauma and the timing of the traumatic event affect the outcomes of trauma treatment. This work package has a particular focus on symptom development during the initial phase of treatment.

The project also includes competence development in clinical practice. Therapists at participating sites receive training in EMDR for psychosis or trauma-focused CBT for psychosis, in collaboration with international expert communities at the University of Manchester and King’s College London. Throughout the project period, therapists receive monthly methodological supervision.

Partners and roles
National project management
• Else-Marie Løberg, Helse Bergen and the University of Bergen: National Principal Investigator.
• Nina Mørkved, Helgeland Hospital Trust and UiT The Arctic University of Norway: National Co-Principal Investigator and lead for the project at Helgeland Hospital Trust.

Helgeland Hospital Trust
• Nina Mørkved – Specialist psychologist, Director of Research and Innovation at Helgeland Hospital Trust, postdoctoral researcher and Associate Professor at UiT. Leads the local work package and contributes to the national project management.
• Malgorzata Solowiej-Czaban – PhD candidate.
• Anne Høye – Project member.
• Martin Bystad – Project member.

Collaborating institutions
The study is anchored at Helse Bergen and conducted in collaboration with:
• Helse Bergen
• Oslo University Hospital
• Stavanger University Hospital
• St. Olavs Hospital
• Helse Fonna
• Helgeland Hospital Trust
• University Hospital of North Norway (UNN)

In Northern Norway, data collection takes place at Helgeland Hospital Trust and UNN.

International collaboration
In 2026, Nina Mørkved will undertake a research stay in Manchester in collaboration with Dr Filippo Varese and a research group with particular expertise in the effects of EMDR in psychosis. The stay will strengthen methodological expertise, international collaboration, and the further development of research in the region.

• The PhD and postdoctoral projects at Helgeland Hospital Trust are funded by the Northern Norway Regional Health Authority (Helse Nord RHF).
• The national operation of the KIT study has received funding from Helse Vest and Stiftelsen Dam, including support for data collection and implementation of the study.
• An application for funding has been submitted to KLINBEFORSK. Any award would also strengthen activities and data collection in Northern Norway.
• Nina Mørkved has received funding from Helse Nord for the research stay in Manchester in 2026.