Interventions with the aim to reduce the chance of relapse.

Maintenance interventions for youth affected by war/conflict



Interventions to reduce either distress and symptoms.

Treatment interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

Upstream intervention to address risk and protective factors prior to onset of problems

Prevention interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

an intervention where patients share their stories of past traumatic events, which are then analyzed by both the patient and a therapist to identify connections between personal experiences and the social and political aspects of trauma. Studies on the use of this therapy with Sudanese refugees suggest that it could be a helpful alternative to traditional psychotherapy, which may not be culturally relevant or accessible to certain populations. However, there is no evidence yet on how effective this therapy is for children affected by war. Before implementing this therapy, focus groups were consulted to ensure its feasibility and their feedback was incorporated into the intervention protocol.

Testimonial psychotherapy

an intervention developed to address PTSD, depression, anxiety symptoms, and distorted perceptions related to self-blame, safety, and trustworthiness of others. However, the limited resources available for one-on-one treatment make CBT trauma-focused treatments rare. In high-income countries, individual trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy is recommended due to its sufficient evidence base. However, in war zones, the lack of resources, specialized professionals, and stigma associated with mental health problems make it difficult to implement such individualized treatments.

Trauma-focused Individual CBT

an intervention that aims to improve mental health outcomes in the immediate aftermath of a disaster or conflict by providing practical support, connecting people with existing resources, and identifying those who need specialized services. However, there is no rigorous evidence available to support its effectiveness among children and adolescents affected by war.

Psychological first aid

A brief intervention aimed at preventing onset of mental health symptoms and facilitate active coping with stress & war experiences in war-affected children (ages ages 2-7). The intervention involves presenting children with a stuffed puppy doll and teaching them how to hug and take care of the doll, with a focus on being a responsible caretaker. In randomized trials in Israel, the huggy-puppy intervention had strong positive effects on symptoms of traumatic stress reactions in young children. Additionally, child adherence to the intervention and attachment to the doll correlated with improvements in well-being.

Huggy-puppy intervention

a short-term individual treatment for PTSD delivered by experienced mental health clinicians. It involves constructing a narrative about the patient's whole life, focusing on traumatic experiences and memories. KidNET is a version of narrative exposure therapy adapted for war-affected adolescents and children aged 12 to 17 years, and studies have shown it to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in various settings. However, further research is needed on the long-term efficacy of KidNET and maintenance interventions that involve ongoing treatment.

Narrative exposure therapy (KidNET)

A type of intervention with an ecological focus on the individual.

Michigan State University

- Individual 
- Family 
- Peer/school
- Community
- Multilevel

Socio-ecological levels of interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

Betancourt, T. S., Meyers-Ohki, S. E., Charrow, A. P., & Tol, W. A. (2013). Interventions for children affected by war: an ecological perspective on psychosocial support and mental health care. Harvard review of psychiatry, 21(2), 70–91. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0b013e318283bf8f

Interventions for Children Affected by War: An Ecological Perspective on Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Care

Individual level interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

A type of intervention with an ecological focus on peers/school.

Peer/School level interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

A type of intervention with a multilevel ecological focus.

Multilevel interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

A type of intervention with an ecological focus on the community

Community level interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

A type of intervention with an ecological focus on the Family.

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