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Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions for Adult Survivors Of Torture And Trauma: A 30-Year Review

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Abstract

The article presents a review of research on psychological interventions for adult resettled refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with the assistance of several databases such as PsycINFO, PubMed, and social services abstracts. Most of the studies report notable improvement in participants with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the review was found to be biased towards patients showing torture and trauma with PTSD symptoms.

Citation

  • McFarlane, C. A., & Kaplan, I. (2012). Evidence-based psychological interventions for adult survivors of torture and trauma: a 30-year review.  Transcultural psychiatry,  49(3-4), 539-567.
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Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What works to improve mental health of refugee children and adults?

There is very strong evidence that numerous interventions are effective in improving the mental health of child and adult refugees. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused interventions (TF), and psycho-education (PE) have been shown to improve symptoms related to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or general distress in refugee populations. Furthermore, cultural adaptations of these…

About this study

AGE: Multiple Age Groups

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Inconclusive or mixed impact

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High Income

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: Upper Middle Income

INTERVENTION DURATION: Varies by study

INTERVENTION: Mental health and psychosocial support services

OUTCOME AREA: Anxiety Reduction

OUTCOME AREA: Depression Reduction

OUTCOME AREA: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Reduction

POPULATION: Unaccompanied Minors

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Strong

TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2012

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