Mahmoudi-Gharaei J, Mohammadi Mr, Bina M, Yasami Mt, Fakour Y,
Volume 64, Issue 8 (8-2006)
Abstract
Background: Psychological debriefing has been widely advocated for routine use following major traumatic events. Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, art supportive therapies, and sport and recreational support activities are other interventions for reducing posttraumatic stress disorder. We assessed the effects of theses methods individually and in combination on reduction posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in adolescents who had experienced Bam earthquake.
Methods: In a field trial, we evaluated the efficacy of psychological debriefing, group cognitive-behavioral therapy, art and sport supportive interventions in 200 adolescents with PTSD symptoms who survived of Bam earthquake and compare it with a control group. Patients were randomly assigned to one of intervention programs including: group cognitive-behavioral therapy group CBT plus art and sport interventions art and sport interventions without group CBT and control group.
Results: Thirty one individuals were excluded because of migration. A statistically significant reduction in overall PTSD symptoms as well as in avoidance symptoms was observed after group cognitive-behavioral therapy. There was no significant difference in reduction of overall PTSD and avoidance symptoms between the other groups.
Conclusion: Psychological interventions in form of group cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce the symptoms of PTSD symptoms but we couldn't find the art and sport supportive therapy alone or in combination with group CBT to be useful in this regard.
Bolhari J, Chime N,
Volume 65, Issue 13 (3-2008)
Abstract
Background: Mental health needs to increase in disasters and this study assesses the
basic and mental health needs and delivered services during the first month after Bam
(Iran) earthquake disaster in year 2004.
Methods: Thirty Five mental health professionals and experts were involved in mental
health care and interventions for survivors in Tehran general hospitals and in the Bam,
were participated in a focus group qualitative study, and finding analyzed after coding
from tape recorder.
Results: The primary and immediate needs of survivors were: water, food, shelter,
security, finding family members, treating and helping injured ones, respect and good
relationship by others, and information and news about disaster and others. Second and
long time needs and services were the previous needs and services and also immediate
starting the daily routine activities, opening schools and workplaces, participating in
community services and resettlement or housing. Lack of previous program and
inadequate services are discussed in the paper.
Conclusion: It is the first time in Iran survivors get immediate mental health intervention
in disaster, but based on finding and the survivors needs, and the problems reported in
services were delivered, the study proposes a new mental health intervention program in
natural disaster for Iran.
