How to Use Psychological First Aid to Prevent Post-Disaster Psychopathology

How to Use Psychological First Aid to Prevent Post-Disaster Psychopathology

Craig Katz, MD, breaks down how to deliver psychological first aid in a disaster setting in order to prevent post-disaster psychopathology—most commonly major depression, PTSD, and alcohol abuse. He discusses the core tenets of National Center for PTSD and National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide: initial contact and engagement, establishing safety and comfort, stabilization (including best practices for medication use), practical assistance, connecting with social supports, information on coping, and connecting with relevant services. Dr. Katz also covers best practices for psychological first aid for children and adolescents, the five elements of mass trauma intervention, and a deeper look at the concept of resilience.


Published

March 27, 2020

Created by

Physician's Channel - Mount Sinai New York

Featured Faculty

Craig Katz, MD

Craig Katz, MD

Director, Program in Global Mental Health
Clinical Professor, Psychiatry, Medical Education, and System Design and Global Health
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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