The war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the deadliest the world has seen since World War II, with an estimated 5.4 million lives lost since 1998 (IRC 2011). The war, which started in order to depose a dictator and officially ended in 2003 with a peace accord being signed and the country's first democratic elections following in 2006, continues in a different form today (Economist 2011). The DRC has a history of economic activity taking place outside the official, legal ambit of the state, and this has persisted to date.

This article provides an overview of the process of developing the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association with a focus on issues related to the trauma-related disorders, particularly the dissociative disorders (DD). We also discuss the highlights of research within the past 5 years in the assessment, treatment, and neurobiological basis of trauma disorders.

In this article, we reflect on our evolving ideas regarding a dialogical approach to refugee care. Broadening the predominant phased trauma care model and its engaging of directive expertise in symptom reduction, meaning making, and rebuilding connectedness, these developing dialogical notions involve the negotiation of silencing and disclosure, meaning and absurdity, hope and hopelessness in a therapeutic dialogue that accepts its encounter of cultural and social difference.

Background: In this report we describe the development and use of a web portal in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. This large scale disaster confronted many displaced people with death, despair and need for information and support. Awareness and insight in the emotional impact of disasters can provide pportunities for surveillance and early treatment. Moreover, online support systems can contribute to community building, empowerment of victims and resilience.