ISTSS - International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies

Bringing together clinicians and researchers from around the world to advocate for the field of traumatic stress.

For Professionals For Survivors COVID-19 Resources

Healing Trauma Together

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies is dedicated to sharing information about the effects of trauma and the discovery and dissemination of knowledge about policy, program and service initiatives that seek to reduce traumatic stressors and their immediate and long-term consequences. ISTSS is an international interdisciplinary professional organization that promotes advancement and exchange of knowledge about traumatic stress.

New Briefing Paper: Global Climate Change and Trauma

Effective and feasible methods for mitigating the impacts of climate change already exist and, if promptly and appropriately implemented, have the potential of preventing trauma for generations. This briefing paper serves to highlight currently available evidence and the evidence and action needed in order to prioritize, promote, and protect the mental health and well-being of people, communities, and societies in the face of climate change.

Apply Now: Frank W. Putnam Trauma Research Scholars

Application Deadline: July 7, 2021

The Frank W. Putnam Trauma Research Scholars program providees two $1,000 awards to student members who submit proposals judged to have the greatest potential to contribute to the field of traumatic stress. ISTSS corresponding members who have confirmed they are students are eligible for this award. Submit the application and supporting materials by July 7, 2021, at 5 pm U.S. Eastern Time,

We've Updated Our COVID-19 Resources Page

COVID-19 continues to impact the mental health of individuals and communities around the world. Our COVID-19 Resources page now includes new materials for dealing with compassion fatigue, stress from COVID-related media coverage, and more—as well as research-based mobile apps to enhance emotional well-being. In addition, resources have been updated for a wide range of individuals including healthcare workers, parents and caregivers, teachers, and business and community leaders.

Comparative Efficacy of Commonly Used Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Clinical Protocols for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression

Posted on 05/17/2021 by Christiana R. Faucher & Noah S. Philip

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent among US Military Veterans and is often accompanied by major depressive disorder (Magruder et al., 2005). These disorders can significantly impact the social functioning, employment, and even physical health of Veterans (Kessler, 2000; Shalev et al., 2017). While medications and therapies have proven efficacious for the treatment of PTSD, many who undergo these treatments continue to experience symptoms and side effects (Watts et al., 2013). Increasingly, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is being used to augment standard treatment.

Treating PTSD in the context of increased risk for suicide with cognitive processing therapy

Posted on 05/07/2021 by Erika Roberge, Julia Harris, Harrison Weinstein, and David Rozek

Many providers experience reluctance to directly address trauma-related symptoms and disorders out of fear that they may push the client too far and trigger strong emotional reactions and/or behavioral dysregulation. This fear can be exacerbated for the significant portion of clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who also experience suicidal thoughts (SI) and behaviors.

The Transgenerational Legacy of Totalitarian Regimes: System and Ecology of Trauma

Posted on 04/16/2021 by Elena Cherepanov, PhD, LMHC

This blog piece introduces ground concepts aiming to overcome fragmentation in individual, collective, and transgenerational trauma studies.

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Healing Trauma Together

New Briefing Paper: Global Climate Change and Trauma

Apply Now: Frank W. Putnam Trauma Research Scholars

Application Deadline: July 7, 2021

We've Updated Our COVID-19 Resources Page

Trauma Blog