The National Institute of Mental Health conducts and supports research not only on a wide range of mental health disorders, but also on reactions to national crises and traumatic events. This research includes the reactions of people following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack; the Oklahoma City bombing; wars and violence in the Middle East; and disasters such as earthquakes, tornados, fires, floods, and hurricanes, including the current Gulf Coast oil spill.
In the wake of the Gulf coast oil spill, Dr. Farris Tuma, Chief of the NIMH Traumatic Stress Research Program, addresses mental health challenges facing residents and health care providers. Dr. Tuma talks about warning signs and action steps individuals should consider if they are concerned about the well being of their families.
This vodcast focuses on NIMH research in the areas of traumatic stress reactions and specifically mental health issues among U.S. service members. What we learn from the military experience can help us understand stress risk predictions for the entire population.
There are many different responses to crisis. Most survivors have intense feelings after a traumatic event but recover from the trauma; others have more difficulty recovering — especially those who have had previous traumatic experiences, who are faced with ongoing stress, or who lack support from friends and family — and will need additional help.
Research in relation to the earthquake in Haiti will be difficult and requires careful consideration of the tremendous public health crisis currently unfolding. The research community that has focused its attention on assessing and minimizing the impact of disaster on affected individuals and communities has made major contributions to enhancing knowledge, services, and outcomes for countless victims and their families.
Beyond following available guidance of what we can do as individuals to support the initial crisis response, the research community can best serve victims and survivors of traumatic events by seriously considering what if any new research would substantially advance our understanding of posttraumatic adjustment and approaches to resilience and recovery. This must be balanced with maintaining sensitivity to the needs of this population.
As the immediate crisis unfolds, the likelihood of fielding research investigations that are not integral to rescue and recovery efforts is low. In time, attention will need to be paid to important scientific and public health issues addressable through clinical and other research investigations. Interested investigators are encouraged to be in contact with NIMH program officials of the Traumatic Stress Disorders Research Program to discuss their research interests and potential grant application programs.
The NIMH provides information based on scientific research and evidence-based practice. We have compiled this information to assist you, your family, and friends. We have special information for helping children that many parents and organizations have found useful.
Mental Disorders That May Be Related to or Affected by Exposure to Violence or Traumatic Events
NIMH Publications and Reports
- Mapping the Landscape of Deployment Related Adjustment and Mental Disorders: A Working Group to Inform Research (PDF file, 22 pages)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Fact Sheet
- Depression
- Panic Disorder
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Community Members Can Do
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Rescue Workers Can Do
- Mental Health and Mass Violence: Evidence-Based Early Psychological Intervention for Victims/Survivors of Mass Violence (PDF file, 123 pages)
Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Information about Children and Violence
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)
- The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress at USUHS has developed several fact sheets on disaster and terrorism and military health.
- Courage to Care, a USUHS health promotion campaign for the military and civilians that are part of the military community, has developed several fact sheets on health topics relevant to military life.
- Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- NLM's MedlinePlus
- Resources from the CDC
- Listen to an NIH podcast about coping with traumatic events
- Watch a NIH i-to-eye vodcast interview about stress with NIMH's Dr. Esther Sternberg
Science News about Coping with Traumatic Events
Coping with Traumatic Events Research
Featured Publications about Coping with Traumatic Events
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Rescue Workers Can Do
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A booklet that describes what rescue workers can do to help children and adolescents cope with violence and disasters.
En Español - Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do
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A booklet that describes what parents can do to help children and adolescents cope with violence and disasters.
En Español - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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A booklet on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that explains what it is, treatment options, and how to get help.
