The effect of eye movement desensitization on neurocognitive functioning compared to retrieval-only in PTSD patients : a randomized controlled trial

Background
There is robust evidence that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with neurocognitive deficits, such as executive dysfunction or memory dysfunction. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, in which eye movements (EMs) are performed during traumatic memory retrieval. We examined whether Eye Movement Desensitization (EMD) improves neurocognitive functioning in PTSD patients, in comparison with a retrieval-only control condition without EMs.

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A call to represent the current diversity of family forms in attachment research

As family forms become increasingly diverse, their underrepresentation in attachment research is glaring. Although attachment theory aims to explain the influence of early relationships, studies have disproportionately focused on mothers. Even when other attachment figures are considered, the research is typically limited to fathers in biparental mother-father families. In this piece, we report on the wide variety of family configurations worldwide, and how children experience care from multiple attachment figures.

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Global Collaboration on Traumatic Stress

The Global Collaboration on Traumatic Stress brings together researchers and clinicians from around the world who collaborate on topics of global importance.... 

 

 

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Collective ambiguous loss after mass hostage-taking in war : exploring public mental health outcomes and resilience

Objective: Collective ambiguous loss can arise in communities facing the unresolved absence or presence of loved ones, marked by uncertainty and confusion. This study examines the impact of such loss on the general public in Israel after 251 individuals were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 2023.

 

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Psychological impacts of the Gaza war on Palestinian young adults : a cross-sectional study of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms

Background

The Gaza Strip has been embroiled in a violent military assault since October 2023, with an immense toll on the civilian population. Armed conflicts threaten the mental health of affected communities and survivors, and psychiatric morbidity increases with forced displacement and with severe and recurrent trauma. This study investigates the prevalence and predisposing factors of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms in a group of young adult students from the Gaza Strip during the war.

 

Methods

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Responding to Trauma : A Critical Review of Mental Health and Psychosocial Interventions for Refugee Women

Purpose of Review
This is a critical review of English language literature (January 2023—June 2024) on psychological trauma amongst forcibly displaced migrant women. The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Framework was used to organize multi-layered mental health interventions.

 

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Response to Challenges Regarding the Provision of Early Intervention Services During the Conflict in Ukraine

The article discusses the early childhood intervention service in Ukraine, which operates in long-term cycles. Early intervention is a service for families with children aged 0 to 4 years who have developmental disorders or are at risk of developing them. The service is family-based, routine-based and transdisciplinary. The article highlights the impact of conflict on children, noting that ongoing negative experiences, or “toxic stress,” can severely affect their development.

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Practices of Congolese Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Providers : A Qualitative Study on Gaps and Obstacles

Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services, including services related to sexual and reproductive health problems, are highly unaddressed in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We present findings of a qualitative study that reveals three gaps related to the knowledge and skills of staff in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to provide proper MHPSS, with integrated care for sexual and reproductive health.

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Physical Activity Training for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Professionals in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) practitioners play a key role in promoting and protecting the mental health of forcibly displaced communities. Physical activity (PA) is an evidence-based, cross-cutting strategy to protect and promote mental and physical health and increase resilience. Although PA is recommended, implementation remains ad hoc. Strengthening the collaboration between PA and mental health workforces may help bridge this gap between knowledge and practice.

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Hot and Bothered : Applying the Five Elements Framework to the Climate Crisis

The climate crisis is exacerbating humanitarian crises and significantly impacting mental health and psychosocial wellbeing globally. This paper explores the application of Hobfoll’s five essential elements framework—promoting safety, calming, self-efficacy, connectedness, and hope—to address the mental health impacts of the climate crisis. Drawing from existing literature and practical experience, the paper examines how climate change affects mental health through multiple pathways, leading to increased rates of mental health conditions and psychological distress.

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