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Appendix 2 . Further reading
In this appendix we provide more information that could be relevant for the reader . We describe the difference between therapy and psychosocial work and some common disorders that develop after serious and stressful experiences , 70 and discuss how to work with interpreters .
Therapy versus psychosocial work
Aim . To clarify the relationship between psychosocial support and psychotherapeutic treatment .
Psychosocial support helps to keep families and societies functioning during emergencies ( disasters ). It prevents the development of mental disorders immediately after disaster situations and in the long run . In the context discussed here , psychosocial support includes measures that protect people in difficult life situations from painful thoughts or threatening situations and improve their mental health and quality of life .
Psychosocial support measures and interventions are offered to individuals , families and community members by professional health workers , civil society volunteers , therapists , and public health and social services .
Psychotherapeutic treatments include psychiatric or psychological interventions and methods ( which usually take the form of meetings ) led by therapists , trained health professionals , psychiatrists , or psychologists . Therapy , or psychotherapeutic help , is considered necessary if survivors have developed evident , painful or troublesome symptoms that amount to a “ mental disorder ” ( meaning diseases and conditions that affect thoughts and emotions ). Mental disorders often impair a survivor ’ s ability to function and reduce his quality of life . Often , but not always , they lead to changes in behaviour . The causes of mental illness are usually complex , and often include a combination of hereditary and environmental factors . Mental disorders can develop as a result of extreme physical or mental strain , 71 or after severe trauma .
Interventions and methods have been developed for children , adolescents , and adults ; therapists can also work with groups . Psychotherapy aims to “ improve the individual ’ s well-being and mental health , to resolve or reduce bothersome behaviours , beliefs , obsessive-compulsive symptoms , thoughts or emotions , and to improve relationships and social skills ”. 72
Therapy will usually continue at regular intervals over a period of time . Its progress depends on the establishment of a therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the survivor .
Common disorders that develop after serious and stressful experiences
Part 2.4 it reviewed common reactions after traumatising events . Below we present the most frequently occurring forms of disorders that develop after serious and stressful experiences .
APPENDIX