The American journal of orthopsychiatry
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Am J Orthopsychiatry · Jul 2004
Innovative ways to address the mental health and medical needs of marginalized patients: collaborations between family physicians, family therapists, and family psychologists.
This article describes an innovative program to meet the needs of homeless women, children, and families residing at a transitional living center in an urban setting. The program involves collaboration between medical and mental health professionals to address the multiple problems and unmet needs of this population. Recommendations for future work in expanding collaborative practice are discussed. ((c) 2004 APA, all rights reserved)
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Am J Orthopsychiatry · Oct 2002
Exposure to human tragedy, empathy, and trauma in ambulance paramedics.
Paramedics are exposed to events involving human pain and suffering on a daily basis, many of which are the result of violence perpetrated by 1 individual on another. For the most part, these emergency workers have learned to deal with such events and take them in stride. At times, however, certain circumstances lead workers to develop an emotional connection with the victim or his or her family. ⋯ One of the coping strategies described in these circumstances is to manage the events on a cognitive and technical level while maintaining an emotional distance. Although such a strategy may be protective, it may also have long-term negative effects in terms of interpersonal relationships. This mixed-methods study attempts to better understand factors that lead to higher levels of distress among paramedics within the theoretical framework of emotional and cognitive empathy.
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Am J Orthopsychiatry · Jul 2002
A retrospective study of Arab American mental health clients: trauma and the Iraqi refugees.
The purpose of this study was to clarify the mental health needs of Iraqi immigrants who arrived in the United States in the 1990s after the Persian Gulf War. The records of 375 clients were examined at a clinic that serves Arab Americans. More posttraumatic stress disorder and health problems were found in Iraqi refugees than in other clients. Results suggest the need for further research on immigrants with traumatic histories to facilitate effective treatments.
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Am J Orthopsychiatry · Jul 2000
Gender differences in young adolescents' exposure to violence and rates of PTSD symptomatology.
Gender differences in exposure to violence and levels of PTSD symptomatology were examined in a school-based sample of 621 young adolescents. Also investigated as predictors of PTSD symptoms were cognitive coping strategies, perceived social support, and the affective experience of fear. Results support the importance of evaluating gender differences, differentiating between violence by type and location, and considering both cognitive and affective factors as predictors of PTSD symptomatology.
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Am J Orthopsychiatry · Apr 2000
Comorbidity of substance use and post-traumatic stress disorders in a community sample of adolescents.
A study of 384 18-year-old adolescents living in the community demonstrated a frequent co-occurrence of substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Multiple pathways appeared to lead to this comorbidity, which was associated with widespread psychological impairment that might have serious developmental consequences. Implications for research and practice are discussed.