Interventions Following Mass Violence & Disasters: Strategies for Mental Health Practice

Interventions Following Mass Violence & Disasters: Strategies for Mental Health Practice
E. Cameron Ritchie (Editor), Matthew J. Friedman (Editor), Patricia J. Watson (Editor)

Hardcover: 418 pages
ISBN 1593852568
Guilford Press
January 2006
(click below for best available price for this title)

Softcover: 430 pages
ISBN 1593855893
978-1593855895
Guilford Press
July 2007
(click below for best available price for this title)

The flooding of New Orleans in 2005 and the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York in 2001 called in to action everyday doctors, nurses and administrators to respond to disaster and its victims. Don't assume others will take the leadership role. It may, by circumstance, fall to you.

The NIMH / SAMSHA expert panel has agreed that in the immediate phase post-incident (up to seven days), universal interventions should have a higher standard of doing no harm. These warrant a low level of interference and a high-level choice to balance out possible negative effects. Nothing more than education and caring should be applied universally. For instance, basic orienting information on trauma response and available resources should be offered, as well as education on parenting and friendship skills.

"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

"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

The following key components of early intervention are recommended to promote individual and community-wide recovery following episodes of mass violence. These components overlap in time, are provided by diverse individuals, organizations and professionals, and create an overall framework within which recovery from mass violence can be maximized. This book will explain:

Provision for Basic Needs. Essential for mental health are the meeting of basic needs for safety, security and survival, such as food and shelter; orientation to the disaster and recovery efforts; facilitating communication with family, friends and community; and reducing ongoing environmental threat.
Psychological First Aid. Basic strategies to reduce psychological distress include orientation to disaster and recovery efforts, reduction of physiological arousal, mobilization of support for those who are most distressed, facilitation of reunion with loved ones and keeping families together, providing education about available resources and coping strategies, and using effective risk communication techniques.
Needs Assessment. A systematic assessment of the current status of individuals, groups and the overall affected community is important. Included in the assessment should be an evaluation of whether survivors' needs are being adequately addressed, the characteristics of the recovery environment, and what additional interventions and resources are required.
Monitoring of the Rescue and Recovery Environment. Those most affected by the incident are observed and monitored for potential behavioral and physical health sequelae. The environment is monitored for ongoing stressors or toxins, services that are being provided and media coverage and rumors.
Outreach and Information Dissemination. Following disasters and incidents of mass violence, services are provided in the many environments where survivors can be found (sometimes referred to as "therapy by walking around"). Established community structures are utilized to provide information and support. Information is disseminated via distribution of fliers and referral to Web sites, which also can provide online support. Material is provided to the media (e.g., interviews, releases, and programs) to help increase knowledge about trauma and recovery.
Technical Assistance, Consultation and Training. Organizations, leaders, responders, and caregivers are supported via the dissemination of knowledge, consultation, and training, so that they can improve their capacity to provide what is needed to reestablish community structure, foster family recovery/resilience and safeguard the community.
Fostering Resilience/Recovery. Resources are provided to improve social interactions, coping skills, risk assessment and self-assessment and referral. This also includes group and family interventions, fostering natural social support, looking after the bereaved, and repairing community and organizational fabric.
Triage. Mental health personnel assess survivors, identify vulnerable, high-risk individuals and groups, and provide referral and/or emergency hospitalization when indicated.
Treatment. Mental health personnel seek to reduce symptoms and improve functioning via education, individual, family and group psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, spiritual/existential support and short-term or long-term hospitalization.

"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.

(information from the publisher)

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