Early Intervention for Trauma and Traumatic Loss

Brett T. Litz, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Director of the Mental Health Core of the Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiological Research and Information Center at the VA Boston Healthcare System. He is also Assessment Core Director of the STRONG STAR Consortium and the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD. Dr. Litz focuses on evaluating the mental health outcomes associated with military deployments across the lifespan, with an emphasis on early intervention and treatments for combat and operational trauma, loss, and moral injury.

In this post-9/11 age, unpredictable, traumatic life events lead to the risk of chronic mental health problems around the world. Dr. Brett Litz has cleverly brought together an outstanding team of trauma experts to explore the efficacy of early intervention strategies in trauma cases. This book stresses the need for timely preparation to meet the challenges of future traumatic events.--Muriel Prince Warren, DSW, ACSWAddressing 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, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, and National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare SystemThis 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, MD, PhD, National Center for PTSD, VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VTA 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, PhD, School of Social Work, Howard University- Rigorous and timely....Litz and his contributors provide a great service to clinicians, researchers, and policy-makers alike. --Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Book Reviews, 10/31/2003ƒƒ This book is nicely written and does not waste words. It flows smoothly and can be read straight through or as freestanding chapters....Litz did a praiseworthy job of stitching together the various contributions into a coherent whole that is well worth the read. This book fills an important niche. --PsycCRITIQUES, 10/31/2003

• 1. Introduction, LitzI. Predictors and Course of Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Traumatic Grief2. Acute Stress Disorder: Course, Epidemiology, Assessment, and Treatment, Bryant3. Risk and Resilience Factors in the Etiology of Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, D. W. King, Vogt and L. A. King4. Conceptual and Definitional Issues in Complicated Grief, Gray, Prigerson, and LitzII. Empirical Research on Early Interventions for Trauma and Traumatic Loss5. Early Intervention for Trauma in Adults: A Framework for First Aid and Secondary Prevention, Litz and Gray6. Early Intervention with Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers, Van Horn and Lieberman7. Early Mental Health Interventions for Trauma and Traumatic Loss in Children and Adolescents, Cohen8. Early Mental Health Interventions for Traumatic Loss in Adults, Raphael and Wooding9. Methodological and Ethical Issues in Early Intervention Research, Gray, Litz, and OlsonIII. Special Topics10. 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, Neria, Suh, and Marshall 11. Sexual Trauma: Impact and Recovery, Rauch and Foa12. When the Helpers Need Help: Early Intervention for Emergency and Relief Services Personnel, Eriksson, Foy, and Larson 13. Evaluating and Treating Injured Trauma Survivors in Trauma Care Systems, Zatzick and Wagner14. Early Intervention for Psychological Consequences of Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents, Blanchard, Hickling, Kuhn, and Broderick15. The Challenge of Providing Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention in the U.S. Military, Castro, Engel, and Adler16. Closing Remarks, Litz