The factor structure of complex posttraumatic stress disorder in traumatized refugees

Background
The construct of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) has attracted much research attention in previous years, however it has not been systematically evaluated in individuals exposed to persecution and displacement. Given that CPTSD has been proposed as a diagnostic category in the ICD-11, it is important that it be examined in refugee groups.
Objective
In the current study, we proposed to test, for the first time, the factor structure of CPTSD proposed for the ICD-11 in a sample of resettled treatment-seeking refugees.

Impact of new traumatic or stressful life events on pre-existing PTSD in traumatized refugees : results of a longitudinal study

Background: A significant proportion of trauma survivors experience an additional critical life event in the aftermath. These renewed experiences of traumatic and stressful life events may lead to an increase in trauma-related mental health symptoms.

Authors' reply

Dr Halvorsen quite rightly draws attention to the various definitions of clinically significant change, which all have their advantages and disadvantages. We especially agree with the comment that the threshold for clinically significant change should at least coincide with the threshold for reliable change (18.66 in our sample).

Culture-sensitive psychotraumatology

Background: Although there is some evidence of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) construct’s cross cultural validity, trauma-related disorders may vary across cultures, and the same may be true for treatments that address such conditions. Experienced therapists tailor psychotherapy to each patient’s particular situation, to the nature of the patient’s psychopathology, to the stage of therapy, and so on.

The case of refugees : A case of social bonds.

Having worked with many refugees, Pim Scholte explains the human side of the refugee crisis from the point of view of a psychiatrist. This april  Pim Scholte at the Academiegebouw of the University of Utrecht held a TED talk under the titel: 'The case of refugees. A case of social bonds'. The presentation is part of a yearly series, organised by University colledge Utrecht.

A vulnerability paradox in the cross-national prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder

Background
Determinants of cross-national differences in the prevalence of mental illness are poorly understood.
Aims
To test whether national post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rates can be explained by (a) rates of exposure to trauma and (b) countries' overall cultural and socioeconomic vulnerability to adversity.
Method

The impact of cultural differences in self-representation on the neural substrates of posttraumatic stress disorder

A significant body of literature documents the neural mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is very little empirical work considering the influence of culture on these underlying mechanisms.

Psychosocial predictors of treatment outcome for trauma-affected refugees

Background: The effects of treatment in trials with trauma-affected refugees vary considerably not only between studies but also between patients within a single study. However, we know little about why some patients benefit more from treatment, as few studies have analysed predictors of treatment outcome.
Objective: The objective of the study was to examine possible psychosocial predictors of treatment outcome for trauma-affected refugees.

Preserving and Improving the Mental Health of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Literature Review for the Health Council of the Netherlands

According to the UNHCR, a record number of around 60 million people are currently displaced worldwide. In 2015, more than 1 million refugees and asylum seekers had reached Europe across the Mediterranean Sea, with more than 50% constituting Syrians.1 Around 59.000 refugees and asylum seekers arrived in the Netherlands in 2015.2 Given the on-going civil war in Syria and difficult conditions in the regional countries, it is not likely that the refugee influx will reduce substantially in the following years.

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