We conducted a systematic review of literature reporting on the prevalence of assessment measures, treatments, and biomarkers used in the diagnosis and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Iraqi, Kurdish, and Syrian refugees. We performed a search of medical, psychological, and sociological databases on all relevant literature published between January 2011 and March 2016. Seventeen manuscripts met the study inclusion criteria. On the basis of the findings, authors advocate the use of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), and Post Migrational Living Difficulties (PMLD) to exclude PTSD noncases and the Clinically Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) for diagnosis of PTSD in Iraqi, Kurdish, and Syrian refugees in Canada. They further suggest Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) as the psychological treatment currently with the strongest evidence base in this population. Finally, we advocate continued research into biomarkers as a means of improving and objectifying psychological assessment and treatment of PTSD in Canadian refugee populations.
Primary substance use prevention programs for children and youth: A systematic review
An updated synthesis of research on substance abuse prevention programs can promote enhanced uptake of programs with proven effectiveness, particularly when paired with information relevant to practitioners and policy makers.To assess the strength of the scientific evidence for psychoactive substance abuse prevention programs for school-aged children and youth.A systematic review was conducted of studies published…