Traumatic loss : Mental health consequences and implications for treatment and prevention

Traumatic loss involves the loss of loved ones in the context of potentially traumatizing circumstances and is a commonly reported traumatic event. It may give rise to disturbed grief, called prolonged grief disorder (PGD) in ICD-11 and persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) in DMS-5, combined with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The recent inclusion of grief disorders in both DSM-5 and ICD-11 have spurred research on grief-related psychopathology. This special issue on traumatic loss includes 10 articles and two letters.

 

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Stability and change post-disaster : dynamic relations between individual, interpersonal and community resources and psychosocial functioning

Conservation of Resources (COR) theory defines psychological stress as the result of a threat or actual loss of resources, or lack of resource gain. Given that disasters present a significant risk for resource loss, the aim of this study was to examine the dynamic relationship between the change in different levels of resources and the change in psychosocial functioning.

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The organization of post-disaster psychosocial support in the Netherlands : a meta-synthesis

 

 

Background: Despite numerous calls for a more evidence-based provision of post-disaster psychosocial support, systematic analyses of post-disaster service delivery are scarce.

 

 

Objective: The aim of this review was to evaluate the organization of post-disaster psychosocial support in different disaster settings and to identify determinants.

 

 

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A longitudinal evaluation of active outreach after an aeroplane crash : screening for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and assessment of self-reported treatment needs

 

Background: In 2009, an aeroplane crashed near Amsterdam. To remedy unmet mental health needs, active outreach was used to identify victims at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

 

Objective: The active outreach strategy was evaluated by examining the accuracy of screening methods in predicting PTSD and depression, self-reported treatment needs, and the extent to which perceived treatment needs predict trajectories of PTSD.

 

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Further validation of the Traumatic Grief Inventory-Self Report (TGI-SR) : A measure of persistent complex bereavement disorder and prolonged grief disorder

The Traumatic Grief Inventory Self-Report version (TGI-SR) is an 18-item self-report measure. It was designed to assess symptoms of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) included in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 and Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) proposed by an international group of experts in grief. The research in this article used data from a bereaved patient sample and people who lost loved ones in the Ukrainian airplane crash in July 2014.

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Psychiatric epidemiology and disaster exposure in Australia

To examine the lifetime prevalence and risk of psychiatric disorders associated with natural and man-made disaster exposure in Australia.

Methods.

We utilised data from a nationally representative population survey (N = 8841) which were analysed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression in order to examine the full spectrum of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) affective, anxiety and substance use disorders associated with exposure to natural and man-made disaster.

Results.

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Climate change and mental health : risks, impacts and priority actions

Background: This article provides an overview of the current and projected climate change risks and impacts to mental health and provides recommendations for priority actions to address the mental health consequences of climate change.

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Understanding PTSD : A Guide for Family and Friends

Introduction

 

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Disaster Exercises to Prepare Hospitals for Mass-Casualty Incidents : Does it Contribute to Preparedness or is it Ritualism?

Introduction
The central question this study sought to answer was whether the team members of Strategic Crisis Teams (SCTs) participating in mass-casualty incident (MCI) exercises in the Netherlands learn from their participation.

 

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Supporting civilians and professionals after crises : Implications for psychosocial care

The first aim of this dissertation was to contribute to existing knowledge on support after crises by studying elements of a supportive work environment that facilitates the wellbeing of high-risk professionals. The second aim focused on identifying individuals with high levels of distress after crises. Early identification of those in need of support is essential for timely referral to professional aid. 

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