The Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Medically Unexplained Symptoms : A Systematic Literature Review

Introduction
It has been hypothesised that certain persistent physical symptoms (PPS) may be linked to unresolved traumatic or distressing somatic-symptom related memories. EMDR intervention targets and reintegrates distressing memories, thus reducing the re-experiencing of physical sensations. The primary aim of this review was to examine effectiveness of EMDR for PPS. Secondary aims were to investigate effectiveness of EMDR on secondary outcomes (post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression), and to evaluate the acceptability of EMDR for this client group.

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Reflection on Culture and Social Structure in Comprehensive Case Formulation : A Proposal for a Culture-Sensitive Assessment of Mental Health Challenges From a Developmental Perspective

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Mental health problems in Moroccan-Dutch people : a mixed-methods study into social determinants, experiences and explanations

We have performed a mixed-methods study into mental health problems in Moroccan-Dutch people. The aim of the study is to increase the insight in how social and cultural determinants are related to:

a) the development of mental health problems,

b) the way mental health problems are experienced and explained and

c) the conversation about mental health problems and help-seeking for them.

 

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The mediating role of state anger in the associations between intentions to participate in the criminal trial and psychopathology in traumatically bereaved people

Victims of crimes have been granted increasing procedural rights to participate in the juridical process since the mid 1990s. However, knowledge about the (anti)-therapeutic effect of participation is limited. We examined the associations between symptom levels of persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression and the intention to participate in a criminal trial. Furthermore, we investigated the mediating role of state anger in these associations.

 

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The challenges of conducting mental health research among resettled refugee populations : An ecologi cal framework from a researchers’ perspective

Researchers who are aiming to conduct high quality mental health research in resettled refugee populations are likely to experience multiple challenges in their work. To our knowledge, there is no overview of these challenges and their implications for the quality of research from a researchers’ perspective. We conducted a systematic literature search to further complete the overview of challenges. Lastly, we placed the findings of the thematic analysis and the literature search in a conceptual framework derived from the social ecological model of Bronfenbrenner.

 

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Nature videos for PTSD : protocol for a mixed-methods feasibility study

Background: Given the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among military personnel, new treatment approaches are needed. One may be virtual relaxation interventions, especially 360-degree nature videos, since studies have demonstrated their relaxation effects for healthy participants. If these relaxation effects can be reproduced in patients with PTSD, they may offer a viable tool to reduce distress and hyperarousal.

 

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Change in prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in the two years following trauma : a meta-analytic study

Background: Understanding the course of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the factors that impact this is essential to inform decisions about when and for whom screening and intervention are likely to be beneficial.

 

 

Objective: To provide meta-analytic evidence of the course of recovery from PTSD in the first year following trauma, and the factors that influence that recovery.

 

 

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Addressing war trauma in Ukrainian refugees before it is too late

Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to one of the largest refugee crises in recent history. Many internally displaced Ukrainians and refugees will need care for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Here I will suggest practical steps to reduce long-term impact of trauma and stress on refugees’ mental and physical health, and functioning. These include mental health first aid in acute phase of arrival, education of mental health and navigating healthcare system in the host countries.

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Mental health professionals’ perspective on a brief transdiagnostic psychological intervention for Afghan asylum seekers and refugees

Background: While many elaborated treatment protocols focus on post-traumatic stress symptoms, a large number of refugees suffer from a range of mental health problems. Thus, brief and transdiagnostic psychological interventions may be helpful first interventions for help-seeking refugees and asylum seekers in a stepped-care approach.

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Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy against suicidal ideation in patients with depression : A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can effectively prevent relapse of major depression, but there is currently insufficient evidence for efficacy against suicidal ideation during depressive episodes. We thus conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MBCT to treatment as usual (TAU) for suppression of suicidal ideation in patients with current depression.

 

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