Description
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.
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Ritchie (psychiatry consultant to the US Army Surgeon General), Watson (psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School), and Friedman (psychiatry and pharmacology, Dartmouth Medical School) present the current state of an ongoing research project seeking to identify best practices for mental health disaster response. The 21 chapters begin with a historical overview and a review of the theoretical assumptions and models for early intervention. They then consider individual and community preparation, training issues, and needs assessment. Specific interventions that have been employed in the wake of disasters are examined in a section that also deals with consultation and program evaluation. Unique populations, including children and adolescents, ethnocultural minorities, and war zone veterans are discussed. Specific interventions are then explored, including family assistance centers; large-scale outreach initiatives; psychological management following chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack; and lessons learned from New York City after the September 11th attacks. The volume concludes with a chapter on methods of conducting research in the field and a general discussion of future agendas for research, practice, and policy. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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