Systems, science and populations : effective early mental health intervention following mass trauma : the roles of government, clinicians, and communities

![CDATA[This paper discusses three main themes that need to be addressed for effective early intervention. The first is the examination, through a systems analysis, of the factors that may impact on mental health behaviors, in the prevention, preparation, response, and recovery to disasters and terrorism. The second is a more thorough examination of the science of early intervention, its conceptualization and current scientific underpinnings and rationale, and the necessary components of an effective early intervention strategy to inform the mental health response to mass emergencies. Thirdly, it will draw together these elements in a template for the delivery of "early intervention". This review will highlight the significant further work that is needed to both build the scientific base and to translate it into real world policy and services for affected populations. This requires government and organizational support to lead to the delivery of effective early intervention across the range of potential disaster and terrorism scenarios.]]