Early Intervention For Trauma And Traumatic Loss

Description:
This authoritative volume describes the state of the science of early intervention for trauma and traumatic loss across the lifespan and in a variety of contexts. While few would dispute the importance of helping people cope with severe life stressors, important questions remain about how to identify those at risk for chronic problems and which interventions actually facilitate recovery over time. Following a review of current knowledge on the predictors and course of acute stress disorder, PTSD, and traumatic grief, the volume presents a range of early intervention models designed for very young children, older children, and adults. Authors examine the empirical literature and recommend evidence-based clinical strategies whenever possible, while delineating an extensive agenda for future research. Also covered are the lessons learned from early intervention with specific populations: 9/11 survivors, combat veterans, emergency services personnel, survivors of sexual violence, and others.

Review:
'This book is a milestone because there is so little solid empirical data about evidence-based early interventions for survivors of mass casualties and other traumas. It clarifies what little is known, how much we need to learn, and what we need to do to get there. It should be mandatory reading for all who seek to improve early intervention services for acutely traumatized survivors, including emergency personnel, professional care providers, policymakers, advocacy groups, students, and trainees. - Matthew J. Friedman, VA Medical Center, White River Junction, USA; Addressing an urgent public health problem, Litz has assembled an outstanding group of seasoned clinicians and investigators to help us understand the process and goals of early intervention following trauma, terrorism, and mass disasters. This book establishes the roadmap for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and government officials involved in planning mental health responses for the coming decade. Focusing on evidence-based principles, the volume outlines a theoretical model, a sensible strategy for implementation of interventions, and a method to measure their impact. The work of these leaders will shape the nature and scope of future models of mental healthcare for those who survive tragic events. - Terence M. Keane, Boston University School of Medicine, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System; A comprehensive book on a topic of critical concern; especially timely given the increase in disasters in the United States and internationally. Would be valuable to service providers from diverse disciplines. - Fariyal Ross-Sheriff, Howard University'

Table of Contents:
Litz, Introduction. Part 1: Predictors and Course of Acute Stress Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Traumatic Grief. Bryant, Acute Stress Disorder: Course, Epidemiology, Assessment, and Treatment. D.W. King, Vogt, L.A. King, Risk and Resilience Factors in the Etiology of Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Gray, Prigerson, Litz, Conceptual and Definitional Issues in Complicated Grief. Part 2: Empirical Research on Early Interventions for Trauma and Traumatic Loss. Litz, Gray, Early Intervention for Trauma in Adults: A Framework for First Aid and Secondary Prevention. Van Horn, Lieberman, Early Intervention with Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. Cohen, Early Mental Health Interventions for Trauma and Traumatic Loss in Children and Adolescents. Raphael, Wooding, Early Mental Health Interventions for Traumatic Loss in Adults. Gray, Litz, Olson, Methodological and Ethical Issues in Early Intervention Research. Part 3: Special Topics. Neria, Suh, Marshall, The Professional Response to the Aftermath of September 11, 2001, in New York City: Lessons Learned from Treating Victims of the World Trade Center Attacks. Rauch, Foa, Sexual Trauma: Impact and Recovery. Eriksson, Foy, Larson, When the Helpers Need Help: Early Intervention for Emergency and Relief Services Personnel. Zatzick, Wagner, Evaluating and Treating Injured Trauma Survivors in Trauma Care Systems. Blanchard, Hickling, Kuhn, Broderick, Early Intervention for Psychological Consequences of Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents. Castro, Engel, Adler, The Challenge of Providing Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention in the US Military. Litz, Closing Remarks.