Treating Trauma-Related Symptoms in Special Populations

Although there is much research on the treatment of posttraumatic psychological reactions in survivors of civilian trauma, there is much less empirical evidence to drive interventions with survivors of other kinds of trauma, including persecution, torture, and sexual abuse, particularly in other cultural groups. This chapter illustrates some of the factors that should be taken into consideration when treating such populations. The chapter is divided into sections that address key issues relevant to special populations of trauma survivors: type of trauma, current stressors, comorbidity, anger, cultural issues such as culturally specific interpretations of trauma-related symptoms, and bereavement. The implications of these issues for the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers are examined. As this chapter indicates, the treatment of traumatic distress in special populations warrants more research to ensure that the optimal psychological interventions are available to such highly traumatized groups.