Interventions Following Mass Violence and Disasters: Strategies for Mental Health Practice - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1593855893 ISBN 13: 9781593855895

Publisher: The Guilford Press, 2007

Synopsis

Grounded in the best science available, this essential volume presents practical guidelines for effective clinical intervention in the immediate, intermediate, and long-term aftermath of large-scale traumatic events. Vital lessons learned from a variety of mass traumas and natural disasters are incorporated into the book's thorough review of strategies for helping specific victim and survivor populations. The editors and authors include over 40 leading experts in disaster mental health. Of crucial importance, they clearly summarize the empirical evidence supporting each intervention and provide other guidance based on experience and consensus recommendations.

About this title

About the Author:

Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, MD, MPH, is Psychiatry Consultant to the U.S. Army Surgeon General. Her assignments and other missions have taken her to Korea, Somalia, Iraq, Israel, and Vietnam. An internationally recognized expert, Dr. Ritchie brings a unique public health approach to the management of disaster and combat mental health issues. She has published numerous articles on forensic, disaster, and military operational psychiatry.

Patricia J. Watson, PhD, is an Educational Specialist, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School. At the National Center for PTSD, she collaborates with other national agencies and subject-matter experts to create publications for public and mental health interventions following large-scale terrorism, disasters, and pandemic flu. Special areas of professional interest include science-to-service interventions in disaster/terrorism events, early intervention treatments for trauma, the effects of childhood trauma on adult coping and development, trauma in children and adolescents, the interface between disability/injury and quality of life, and growth aspects of trauma.

Matthew J. Friedman, MD, PhD, is Executive Director, National Center for PTSD, and Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Dartmouth Medical School. He has worked as a clinician and researcher for 30 years, and has published 15 books and over 140 chapters and scientific articles on stress and PTSD, biological psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and clinical outcome studies on depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and chemical dependency. Listed in The Best Doctors in America, he is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association; past president of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, which awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award; and Chair of the scientific advisory board of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

Review:

"This state-of-the-art volume is extremely relevant to practitioners and researchers in all areas of mental health. Psychologists, social workers, physicians, nurses, and counselors will gain insight into the complexities of treatment for survivors of mass violence and disasters. The most important contributors in the field provide practical guidance on a wide range of topics, including early intervention, contextual factors, organizational consultation, and interventions with children. Chapters address what we know--and what we don’t know--in this comprehensive examination of a new and growing literature. Controversial issues regarding treatment are dealt with in a thoughtful manner. This text is essential reading for anyone doing trauma-related work."--Victoria Follette, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno

"A fabulous and timely addition to the psychological and behavioral health toolkit. This insightful and unique exploration of interventions after mass violence and disaster is a jewel that should be required reading for all those working in, teaching about, or preparing for work in disaster response."--CDR Dori B. Reissman, MD, MPH, U.S. Public Health Service and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

"The struggle to develop optimal ways of managing the psychological effects of war and disaster has always been at the forefront of theory and practice in mental health. This book is a chapter in this struggle, prompted by the changed horizon since September 11. The authors explore the challenge of how to manage the effects of psychological trauma in the light of constantly emerging knowledge. The book masterfully balances the need for careful scientific skepticism with the need to take action to provide the best help possible to trauma survivors. This is essential reading for researchers and practitioners alike."--Alexander C. McFarlane, MD, Centre for Military and Veterans' Health, University of Adelaide, Australia

"This is absolutely the new definitive text on the acute treatment of mass trauma effects. Edited and written by leaders in the field, this volume addresses almost every conceivable aspect of mental health response to disasters and mass violence. The practical information on assessment, treatment, and training and consultation--let alone the comprehensive literature reviews--make this book a 'must have.' Highly recommended!"--John Briere, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, LAC-USC Medical Center and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California


"This well-written, interesting, and educational volume grows out of an international conference and evidence-based psychological intervention for victims and survivors of mass violence....I congratulate this distinguished group of authors on their well-written, understandable, and clear attempt to describe our current state of knowledge and to develop a research map leading to future important directions.", Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic Published On: 2007-06-27

"Through the use of extensive citations and a compendious index, readers will be able to navigate the text easily, while they have their knowledge base expanded and their clinical assumptions potentially challenged. This is a book that will undoubtedly be called upon again and again as the field of disaster mental health becomes more cohesive and as the treating community develops its agendas for preparedness, training, and treatment.", Psychiatry Published On: 2007-06-27

"This book is a must read for practitioners who are likely to be first responders (regardless of discipline or practice focus) or minimally, service providers following a disaster, whether man-made or natural; community leaders who hold responsibility (either formal or informal) for safeguarding community members; and government officials and agencies (both public and private) to whom victims of disasters will turn immediately following such disasters. The content provided in the book provides a conceptual understanding of the disaster crisis reaction with implications for individuals, families, communities, and community agencies or infrastructures; theoretical underpinnings for disaster intervention for all of the aforementioned; intervention models that have been proven to support natural coping as well as mediate post traumatic stress disorder symptomatology; practical and doable guidelines for disaster planning for communities and agencies; and highlights how mental health professionals can utilize their expertise in consulting with agencies and communities needing assistance with disaster recovery planning. Educators, trainers, and students/trainees will find the book to be a powerhouse of information for knowledge and skill enhancement. Contributors to the book span the interdisciplinary realm, making the content appropriate for consumption and use by social workers, psychiatrists, physicians, psychologists, community organizers/activists, school teachers, social workers, staff and guidance counselors, nurses, family therapists, agency directors, etc....The information contained in the book is easy to read and understand.", Families in Society Published On: 2007-06-27

"Places the response to concerns about mental health within the fragmented environment that follows a catastrophe....Contains useful advice on practical mental health interventions.", The New England Journal of Medicine Published On: 2007-06-27

"This book would be a welcome addition to the bookcase, desk, or library of any clinician involved in treating survivors of disaster and trauma. It provides a sound synopsis and analysis of intervention techniques and strategies at different stages [of] post-disaster, brings attention to organizational and programmatic challenges, and highlights the importance of working from an evidence-based approach when possible....Will easily function as one of the important texts in the area until further advances in the field are made.", PsycCRITIQUES Published On: 2007-06-27

About this edition

• Publisher: The Guilford Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1593855893
• ISBN 13: 9781593855895
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 430
• Editor: Ritchie Elspeth Cameron, Watson Patricia J., Friedman Matthew J.