This editorial proposes a shift in emphasis in the field of mental health epidemiology in conflict-affected settings. After a brief summary of the nature of contemporary armed conflicts, we consider the current and potential roles that epidemiology can play with regard to: (1) establishing the burden of mental disorders; (2) identifying risk and protective factors; and (3) intervention research.

WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Psychological first aid: Facilitator’s manual for orienting field workers.

l.Crisis intervention - methods. 2.Disasters. 3.Emergency medical services - personnel. 4.Adaptation, Psychological. 5.First aid - psychology. 6.Stress disorders, Traumatic - psychology. 7.Health personnel - education. I.World Health Organization. Il.War Trauma Foundation. III.World Vision International.

ISBN 978 92 4 154861 8    (NLM classification: WM 401)

© World Health Organization 2013

According to Council Directive 2003/9/EC of January 27th 2003 laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers, the Member States have to take into account the specific situation of vulnerable persons among other applicants who have been subjected to torture, rape or other serious forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence. This provision shall apply only to applicants recognized as having special needs, after an individual assessment of their situation.

This paper outlines the state of affairs in psychobiological research on psychotrauma and PTSD with a focus on the role of the oxytocin system in traumatic stress. With a high prevalence of trauma and PTSD in the Netherlands, new preventive and therapeutic interventions are needed.