Post-disaster psychosocial support and quality improvement:A conceptual framework for understanding and improving the quality of psychosocial support programs

This article is original in that it addresses post-disaster psychosocial support programs from a qualityimprovement perspective, not from the traditional viewpoint of mental health services. Based on a combination of renowned quality models, a framework is sketched that offers chances to better understand and optimize the quality of post-disaster psychosocial service delivery. The quality is reflected in the program’s structure, process, and outcome. Moreover, quality can be expressed in scores per criterion (i.e.

Read more

Getting Better. Neurobiological mechanisms of recovery from combat-related PTSD

Abstract

Read more

Exploring the plexus of context and consequences: An empirical test of a theory of disaster vulnerability

Abstract

Read more

Prolonged Exposure vs Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing vs Waiting List for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Patients With a Psychotic Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance The efficacy of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments in psychosis has not been examined in a randomized clinical trial to our knowledge. Psychosis is an exclusion criterion in most PTSD trials.
Objective To examine the efficacy and safety of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in patients with psychotic disorders and comorbid PTSD.

Read more

Computer Game Play Reduces Intrusive Memories of Experimental Trauma via Reconsolidation-Update Mechanisms

Memory of a traumatic event becomes consolidated within hours. Intrusive memories can then flash back repeatedly
into the mind’s eye and cause distress. We investigated whether reconsolidation—the process during which memories
become malleable when recalled—can be blocked using a cognitive task and whether such an approach can reduce
these unbidden intrusions. We predicted that reconsolidation of a reactivated visual memory of experimental trauma
could be disrupted by engaging in a visuospatial task that would compete for visual working memory resources. We

Read more

Hotspots of Neuroscience Map 2010-2015

Read more

Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for Traumatic Grief (BEP-TG): toward integrated treatment of symptoms related to traumatic loss

Abstract

Read more

The Virtual ‘Caliphate’: Understanding Islamic State’s Propaganda Strategy

For too long, the immensity of Islamic State’s propaganda machine has obscured a rational understanding of it. The organisation’s media strategists are producing high-definition depictions of the most abhorrent brutality on an industrial scale, ensuring that jihadism is digitalised and brought firmly into the 21st century. The days when we saw grainy video footage played on Al Jazeera and propaganda was limited to stagnant speeches made by terrorist leaders are long gone.

Read more

Trauma exposure and refugee status as predictors of mental health outcomes in treatment-seeking refugees

Aims and method This study aimed to identify predictors of symptom severity for
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in asylum seekers and refugees
referred to a specialised mental health centre. Trauma exposure (number and domain
of event), refugee status and severity of PTSD and depression were assessed in 688
refugees.
Results Symptom severity of PTSD and depression was significantly associated with
lack of refugee status and accumulation of traumatic events. Four domains of

Read more

Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Associated with Premature Senescence? A Review of the Literature

Objective: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has major public health significance.
Evidence that PTSD may be associated with premature senescence (early or accelerated
aging) would have major implications for quality of life and healthcare policy.
We conducted a comprehensive review of published empirical studies relevant to
early aging in PTSD. Method: Our search included the PubMed, PsycINFO, and PILOTS
databases for empirical reports published since the year 2000 relevant to early

Read more

Pages