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The results of research on the psychopathological consequences of
terrorist attacks on victims of terrorism converge in asserting that,
after a terrorist attack, both direct and indirect victims (and among
the latter, especially direct relatives of the deceased and injured in
the attacks), will need psychological follow-up and specialized care
in the short, medium, long, and very long term
8
. . The data also
allow us to clearly establish the most appropriate treatments for
psychological disorders often suffered by victims of terrorism
9
.
The first psychological interventions after a terrorist attack should
be aimed at enhancing people's resources to survive and adapt to
the new situation, as well as at detecting those who may need help
and to provide it effectively.
It is necessary to ensure that victims of terrorism receive treat-
ments based on research, which have proved to be effective and
useful in treating psychological issues that a person may experien-
8. García-Vera, M. P., and Sanz, J. (2016). Psychopathological effects of terrorist attacks
on adult victims and their treatment: Current status. Papeles del Psicólogo (Psychology
papers), 37, 3-13.
9. García-Vera, M. P., Moreno, N., Sanz, J., Gutiérrez, S., Gesteira, C., Zapardiel, A.,
and Marotta-Walters, S. (2015). Effectiveness and clinical usefulness of treatments for
adult victims of terrorist attacks: a systematic review. Behavioral Psychology/Psicología
Conductual, 23, 215-244.
Moreno, N., Sanz, J., García-Vera, M. P., Gesteira, C., Gutiérrez, S., Zapardiel, A., Cobos,
B., and Marotta-Walters, S. (2016). Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy in vic-
tims of terrorist attacks: an effectiveness study with mental disorders at very long term.
Text under editorial review.
Gesteira, C., García-Vera, M. P. and Sanz. J. (currently in print) Effectiveness of a long-
term cognitive-behavioral program for post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), depres-
sion and anxiety in victims of terrorist attacks. Clínica y Salud (Medicine and Health)
N E E D F O R
P S Y C H O L O G I C A L
A S S I S TA N C E TO V I C T I M S
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