A review of psychological debriefing after extreme stress

Psychiatr Serv. 2001 Jun;52(6):824-7. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.52.6.824.

Abstract

Preventive intervention after exposure to traumatic events is a subject of increasing interest among mental health professionals. Psychological debriefing, which aims to reduce the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder and other psychopathological sequelae of traumatic experiences, is an example of such an intervention. The authors review the history of psychological debriefing and examine its efficacy. They conclude that psychological debriefing might be an effective intervention after extreme stress, although more support from controlled studies is required.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / psychology
  • Combat Disorders / history
  • Combat Disorders / therapy
  • Crisis Intervention / history
  • Crisis Intervention / methods*
  • Female
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rescue Work
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / prevention & control*
  • Terrorism / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States