Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
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The circumstances of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related deaths embed multiple traumatic characteristics, alongside several external factors that can disenfranchise individual grief. In this context, severe forms of traumatic distress, guilt, somatization, regret, anger, and unspecific symptoms not yet included in prolonged grief disorder (PGD) criteria could emerge. This article (a) analyzes factors related to bereavement in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; (b) proposes avenues for meaning-making practices to facilitate individual and collective mourning process; and (c) invites clinicians to pay attention to the traumatic characteristics of COVID-19-related deaths adopting a holistic approach of PGD clinical manifestations, as well as in evaluation and treatment of cases. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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The United States is facing both the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and an ongoing epidemic of opioid overdose. Opioid use disorder is associated with other mental health problems, trauma, and social and health disparities. While the United States has acted to improve access to treatment for mental health and opioid use, research will be needed to understand the effectiveness of new policies in the context of COVID-19. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many Veterans Healthcare Administration providers working with veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder to question the feasibility and appropriateness of continuing to provide trauma-focused treatment during this crisis. The Veterans Healthcare Administration is in a unique position to continue to provide trauma-informed care because of its capacity to offer telemental health services. Data from a Veterans Affairs medical center's posttraumatic stress disorder clinical team suggest that not only are veterans interested in continuing with treatment but also that the treatments can be modified to accommodate the current climate. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Discriminatory and ableist health care rationing policies have raised serious concern in the disability community during the novel coronavirus pandemic. These concerns reflect the long-standing devaluation of disabled lives and place considerable weight on the disability community during this already stressful time. Nondisabled psychologists should work to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities by amplifying the voices and concerns of disabled activists so that history does not repeat itself. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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The emergence of COVID-19 presents unprecedented challenges in keeping individuals experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) safe in the United States and abroad. This commentary explores how COVID-19 may be increasing risk for IPV and what strategies may be used presently, and in the future, to mitigate IPV risk during crises. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).