[Trauma in childhood--risks for the child's development].

Studies of early childhood traumatic experiences have clearly established a causal relationship between the experience of childhood psychic trauma and long-term effects on cognitive emotional und social development. Children exposed to chronic trauma can have difficulty regulating their emotions as well as difficulty knowing and describing their feelings. Symptom formation and psychopathology up to long-term effects on personality development result in high numbers of emotional disorders like depression, anxiety and phobic disorders and co-morbid conditions like alcohol and drug abuse and antisocial behaviour.

Preparing and responding to major accidents and disasters.

After major incidents and disasters psychosocial support for the people affected is urgent and sometimes predominant. To plan and train staff for psychosocial intervention European and national guidelines have been developed. The European Policy Paper "Psychosocial support in situations of mass emergencies" offers guidance for policy-makers and health-planners.