The Effectiveness of EMDR in Reducing Psychological Distress in Survivors of Natural Disasters: A Review

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fehmida Natha ◽  
Anna Daiches
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Humanitarian Assistance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Disaster Survivors ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
The Impact

Natural disasters affect whole communities both at an individual level as well as economically and socially. However, the impact of natural disasters on an individual’s mental health is substantial; yet, the response to one’s mental health needs after a disaster is underdeveloped. Nevertheless, the Humanitarian Assistance Programme has attempted to address these needs by providing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to natural disaster survivors. This systematic review provides evidence for the effectiveness and efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of psychological distress in survivors of natural disasters. Of the 8 studies reviewed, 4 were controlled trials and 1 study part-controlled. All the studies demonstrated statistical and clinical significance in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, anxiety, depression, and other distress experienced by survivors of natural disasters. In addition, 4 of the 8 studies demonstrated clinical significance after just 1 session, presenting EMDR as resource-, time-, and cost-efficient intervention. Theoretical framework, adaptation in intervention, methodological issues, and quality assessment of studies are discussed. Implications for future research and clinical practice are also discussed.

Psychological distress among Bhutanese refugees living in the northeast region of the United States

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramraj Gautam ◽  
Jason Rydberg ◽  
Ivy Ho ◽  
Bhola Siwakoti ◽  
William Chadbourne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Bhutanese Refugees ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of psychological distress among adult Bhutanese refugees living in the United States. We recruited 376 adult Bhutanese refugees living in the northeast US region, the majority of whom were employed, married men in their 40 s who were US citizens. Using Bayesian Negative Binomial Regression modelling, we examined the impact of sociodemographic measures, health status and refugee integration measures on psychological distress outcomes. The most common predictors of depression, stress and anxiety were social connection deficits and self-reported health conditions. Other associated factors included: health access deficits, number of years living in the US, paid employment, citizenship and living in more than one US city. The findings of our study revealed that mental health outcomes in this subset of the population of Bhutanese refugees are impacted by a variety of social and health related factors. Public policy makers and practitioners need to recognize the complex issues affecting mental health of Bhutanese refugees. Advocacy for expanded culturally congruent policies and evidence based mental health services are recommended. Future research needs to examine culturally relevant concepts and measures related to mental health and integration in this population.

scholarly journals Association of workplace social capital with psychological distress: results from a longitudinal multilevel analysis of the J-HOPE Study

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e022569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hisashi Eguchi ◽  
Akizumi Tsutsumi ◽  
Akiomi Inoue ◽  
Hiroyuki Hikichi ◽  
Ichiro Kawachi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Unit Level ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Workplace Social Capital

ObjectivesWorkplace social capital (WSC) is increasingly recognised as a social contextual determinant of workers’ mental health, but longitudinal data are sparse. We aimed to evaluate the impact of changes in unit-level WSC on psychological distress among Japanese employees using a prospective multilevel repeated-measures design.Participants and study designWe conducted a 2-year prospective cohort study with 1,944 men and 786 women aged 18–65 years. Participants worked at two manufacturing worksites in Japan and were free from mental illness from the first to third study waves. We used a three-level multilevel regression design to evaluate the prospective association of unit-level WSC with individual-level psychological distress. WSC was measured using a validated six-item instrument and individual-level psychological distress with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6).ResultsThe null model indicated a significant degree of between-work unit variation in psychological distress (intraclass correlation=0.1%, p<0.001). In the full model, each SD increase in unit-level WSC was associated with 0.69 point improvement in K6 scores (95% CI −1.12 to −0.26).ConclusionsThis prospective study builds on existing knowledge by showing an association between unit-level WSC and modest improvements in mental health among employees in Japan. We recommend that WSC is considered alongside other contextual influences when assessing employees’ mental health risks.

Testing the differential impact of an internet-based mental health intervention on outcomes of wellbeing and psychological distress during COVID-19 (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joep van Agteren ◽  
Kathina Ali ◽  
Daniel Fassnacht ◽  
Matthew Iasiello ◽  
Gareth Furber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Mental Health Intervention ◽  
Differential Impact ◽  
Reliable Change ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND During COVID-19, the mental health of the general population has been precarious, making it pivotal to determine the impact of complementary internet-based psychological interventions on psychological distress and mental wellbeing. Both types of outcomes represent distinct dimensions of our mental health and congruent changes in outcomes of distress and wellbeing do not necessarily co-occur within individuals. When testing intervention impact it therefore is important to assess change on both outcomes on the individual-level, rather than solely testing group differences in average scores on the group-level. OBJECTIVE The current study set out to investigate the differential impact of an internet-based group mental health intervention on outcomes of wellbeing (i.e., wellbeing, life satisfaction, resilience) and indicators of psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety and stress). METHODS A 5-week mental health intervention was delivered to 90 participants using the Zoom platform. Impact on outcomes of distress, wellbeing and resilience was assessed at the start and the end of the program, with MANOVA and Reliable Change Indices (RCI) being used to determine program impact on the group and the individual level respectively. RESULTS The intervention significantly improved all mental health outcomes measured, showing small to moderate effects sizes. Larger effect sizes could be noted for those with problematic mental health scores at baseline. A total of 92% of participants demonstrated reliable change in at least one mental health outcome. Differential response patterns using RCI revealed that more than half of the participants showed improvement in both mental wellbeing and psychological distress, almost one third in outcomes of wellbeing only, and almost a quarter in distress only. CONCLUSIONS Results provide evidence for the significant impact of an internet-based mental health intervention during COVID-19 and indicates the importance of assessing dimensions of wellbeing and distress when determining intervention effectiveness. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable

Mental health implications for older adults after natural disasters – a systematic review and meta-analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina Parker ◽  
David Lie ◽  
Dan J. Siskind ◽  
Melinda Martin-Khan ◽  
Beverly Raphael ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adjustment Disorder ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTBackground:Natural disasters affect the health and well-being of adults throughout the world. There is some debate in the literature as to whether older persons have increased risk of mental health outcomes after exposure to natural disasters when compared with younger adults. To date, no systematic review has evaluated this. We aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the impact of natural disasters on the mental health and psychological distress experienced by older adults.Design:A meta-analysis was conducted on papers identified through a systematic review. The primary outcomes measured were post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, and psychological distress.Results:We identified six papers with sufficient data for a random effects meta-analysis. Older adults were 2.11 times more likely to experience PTSD symptoms and 1.73 more likely to develop adjustment disorder when exposed to natural disasters when compared with younger adults.Conclusions:Given the global rise in the number of older adults affected by natural disasters, mental health services need to be prepared to meet their needs following natural disasters, particularly around the early detection and management of PTSD.

Vicarious trauma: Strategies for legal practice and law schools

2021 ◽  
pp. 1037969X2199985
Author(s):  
Kelley Burton ◽  
Amanda Paton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Vicarious Trauma ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Mental Health Workers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
First Year ◽  
Helping Professionals ◽  
Legal Practice ◽  
Law Schools ◽  
Individual Level

We examine the effect of vicarious trauma on various stakeholders in the legal profession. Criminal lawyers are likely to experience higher levels of vicarious trauma than other lawyers. Additionally, lawyers are at a heightened risk of vicarious trauma compared to other helping professionals such as mental health workers. We identify a range of strategies that can be implemented at an organisational or individual level to address vicarious trauma. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of vicarious trauma strategies and initiatives. Importantly, we argue that vicarious trauma initiatives should begin in first-year law courses and continue over a career.

The Evolution of the Role of U.S. School Nurses in Adolescent Mental Health at the Individual, Community, and Systems Level: An Integrative Review

2022 ◽  
pp. 105984052110681
Author(s):  
Ashwini R. Hoskote ◽  
Emily Croce ◽  
Karen E. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Adolescent Mental Health ◽  
School Nurse ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
School Nursing ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

School nurses are crucial to addressing adolescent mental health, yet evidence concerning their evolving role has not been synthesized to understand interventions across levels of practice (i.e., individual, community, systems). We conducted an integrative review of school nurse roles in mental health in the U.S. related to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. Only 18 articles were identified, published from 1970 to 2019, and primarily described school nurses practicing interventions at the individual level, yet it was unclear whether they were always evidence-based. Although mental health concerns have increased over the years, the dearth of rigorous studies made it difficult to determine the impact of school nurse interventions on student mental health outcomes and school nurses continue to feel unprepared and under supported in this area. More research is needed to establish best practices and systems to support school nursing practice in addressing mental health at all levels of practice.

Conclusion: What academia can contribute to refugee policy

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Idean Salehyan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
Humanitarian Assistance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Security Risks ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Public ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Potential Risks

This conclusion to the special issue highlights the role of scholars in advancing the public discussion about forced migration. As countries around the world are adopting increasing restrictions on the entry of refugees, academic research can help to dispel some of the myths and apprehensions regarding the risks that forced migration entails. While refugees may be linked to conflict and violence in limited circumstances, the research generally demonstrates that robust international cooperation to manage refugee settlements, provide adequate humanitarian assistance, and integrate refugees into host communities, among other policies, can help to mitigate potential risks. Directions for future research and analysis are also discussed. Forced migration scholars should endeavor to collect more individual-level data; seek to understand factors that exacerbate or reduce security risks associated with cross-border militancy; conduct research on the long-term integration of refugees; and seek to understand the causes and consequences of resettlement and repatriation policies.

The relationship between exclusion from school and mental health: a secondary analysis of the British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Surveys 2004 and 2007

2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 629-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Ford ◽  
C. Parker ◽  
J. Salim ◽  
R. Goodman ◽  
S. Logan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychiatric Disorder ◽  
Health Surveys ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Adolescent Mental Health ◽  
Child And Adolescent ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

BackgroundChildren with poor mental health often struggle at school. The relationship between childhood psychiatric disorder and exclusion from school has not been frequently studied, but both are associated with poor adult outcomes. We undertook a secondary analysis of the British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Surveys from 2004 and its follow-up in 2007 to explore the relationship between exclusion from school and psychopathology. We predicted poorer mental health among those excluded.MethodPsychopathology was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, while psychiatric disorder was assessed using the Development and Well-Being Assessment and applying Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM IV) criteria. Exclusion from school and socio-demographic characteristics were reported by parents. Multi-variable regression models were used to examine the impact of individual factors on exclusion from school or psychological distress.ResultsExclusion from school was commoner among boys, secondary school pupils and those living in socio-economically deprived circumstances. Poor general health and learning disability among children and poor parental mental health were also associated with exclusion. There were consistently high levels of psychological distress among those who had experienced exclusion at baseline and follow-up.ConclusionsWe detected a bi-directional association between psychological distress and exclusion. Efforts to identify and support children who struggle with school may therefore prevent both future exclusion and future psychiatric disorder.

scholarly journals Impact of Postmigration Living Difficulties on the Mental Health of Afghan Migrants Residing in Istanbul

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qais Alemi ◽  
Carl Stempel ◽  
Kelly Baek ◽  
Lisa Lares ◽  
Patricia Villa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Idioms Of Distress ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Foreign Countries ◽  
Legal Challenges ◽  
Culturally Sensitive Interventions ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Afghan Migrants

Background. The sociopolitical situation in Afghanistan continually pushes Afghans to seek safety and better socioeconomic prospects in neighboring and foreign countries. In this paper we examine the mental health of Afghan migrants residing in Istanbul, Turkey, an understudied population at high risk of psychopathology. Methods. We surveyed 158 Afghan migrants to assess psychological distress using a culturally grounded measure of mental health, the Afghan Symptom Checklist [ASCL], and used hierarchical regression analysis to examine the impact of postmigration living difficulties (PMLDs) on mental health. Results. We found that depressive, somatoform, anxiety-like symptoms occurred often, as did a number of culturally salient idioms of distress. Regression analyses showed that while socioeconomic variables and poor physical health status significantly predicted psychological distress, PMLDs exerted the strongest negative effect. The most pressing PMLDs for Afghans in Turkey are poverty, unemployment, lack of treatment for health problems, fears of being deported and related legal challenges, and family-related stressors. Conclusion. Our results point to the importance of the critical need to create culturally sensitive interventions to remediate high levels of psychological distress by addressing related PMLD stressors in a highly vulnerable Afghan migrant population residing in Turkey.

scholarly journals Training Preservice Mental Health Counselors for Suicide Assessment: A Multiple Baseline Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teal Bohrer ◽  
Cass Dykeman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Multiple Baseline ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Probe Design ◽  
Mental Health Clinicians ◽  
Suicide Assessment ◽  
The Impact

Rates of death by suicide continue to increase across the United States. Mental health clinicians often have contact with individuals expressing suicidal ideation, but research suggests clinicians may not be appropriately prepared to assess a client’s suicide risk. Numerous models and theories explain and assess suicidal ideation. In 2009, Thomas Joiner and his colleagues proposed the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPT), which focused on three main factors strongly supported by research over the preceding decade. The present study utilized a nonconcurrent, multiple-baseline, multiple-probe design as well as a one-group pretest–posttest design to examine the impact of an IPT-based training model. Participants were preservice mental health clinicians currently enrolled in Master’s degree programs. Participants completed assessments on IPT knowledge and suicide-assessment self-efficacy, and results from this study indicated a significant increase in knowledge after completion of the training, as well as a slight decrease in self-efficacy. This study suggests that suicide-assessment training, even when done remotely, can increase suicide-assessment knowledge. Future research should explore preservice mental health clinicians’ self-efficacy as well as those factors influencing the confidence these professionals feel in their assessments of risk.

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