Associations between oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations, traumatic event exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms : group comparisons, correlations, and courses during an internet-based cognitive-behavioural treatment

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by impairments in extinction learning and social behaviour, which are targeted by trauma-focused cognitive behavioural treatment (TF-CBT). The biological underpinnings of TF-CBT can be better understood by adding biomarkers to the clinical evaluation of interventions. Due to their involvement in social functioning and fear processing, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin might be informative biomarkers for TF-CBT, but to date, this has never been tested.

 

Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder after infectious disease pandemics in the twenty-first century, including COVID-19 : a meta-analysis and systematic review

Pandemics have become more frequent and more complex during the twenty-first century. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following pandemics is a significant public health concern. We sought to provide a reliable estimate of the worldwide prevalence of PTSD after large-scale pandemics as well as associated risk factors, by a systematic review and meta-analysis.

 

Effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions for children and adults with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) are increasingly applied for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms albeit its effectiveness is unclear.

 

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of AAI for treating PTSD symptoms.

 

Mental health responses to COVID-19 around the world

Background: The mental health impact of the COVID-19 crisis may differ from previously studied stressful events in terms of psychological reactions, specific risk factors, and symptom severity across geographic regions worldwide. 

 

Objective: To assess the impact of COVID-19 on a wide range of mental health symptoms, to identify relevant risk factors, to identify the effect of COVID-19 country impact on mental health, and to evaluate regional differences in psychological responses to COVID-19 compared to other stressful events.

 

Family Empowerment (FAME) : A feasibility trial of preventive multifamily groups for asylum seeker families in the Netherlands

This study evaluated the feasibility of Family Empowerment (FAME), a preventive multifamily program for asylum seeker families in the Netherlands. FAME aims to reinforce the parent–child relationship, family functioning, and social support. We used an uncontrolled pre-test–post-test design, embedded in a  mixed-methods approach.

Course trajectories of anxiety disorders : Results from a 6-year follow-up in a general population study

Objective:

Little is known about the course of anxiety disorders in the general population. This study provides insights into the course of anxiety disorders in the general population taking into account transition to residual symptoms and to other diagnostic categories.

 

Methods:

Transgenerational Transmission of Resilience : After Catastrophic Trauma

Traumatic events are quite common; the lifetime prevalence is 71% among the general population.

 

The Trauma-Focused CBT and Family Acceptance Project : An Integrated Framework for Children and Youth

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience the same types of traumas as their non-SGM peers, including child maltreatment, domestic and community violence, accidents, traumatic death, and separation. SGM youth are also at elevated risk for stressors common among minorities. Furthermore, these youth experience distinct ongoing stress related to discriminatory societal, medical, educational, housing, employment and/or legal attitudes, norms and/or practices, among others.

 

Fostering traumatized children

Children who can no longer grow up with their own parents are often placed in foster care. The out-of-home placement and prior traumatic experiences may cause insecure attachment relationships and consequently child behavior difficulties. The foster child’s puzzling behavior may in turn challenge foster parents, especially when they have difficulties with setting boundaries and emotional engagement. Because of these problems, many foster care placements (20-50%) end prematurely, moving the children to another foster family or residential care facility.

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