Anxiety Disorders: Mitchell AM

Mitchell AM, Sakraida TJ, Zalice KK. · University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. · Nurs Clin North Am. · Pubmed #16111998 No free full text.

Abstract: Disasters are tragic events that disrupt the normal functioning ofa community and overwhelm personal and community resources. The people who experience or simply witness traumatic events can be affected emotionally and develop a range of physical and emotional responses, which in turn can produce psychological, social, and physiological dysfunction. The challenge for health care providers is to recognize the range of emotions and to be able to identify when professional help is indicated. This article provides an overview of the human stress response and describes sources of stress that follow disasters, acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and interventions and resources used to care for victims after disasters.

Mitchell AM, Sakraida TJ, Kameg K. · University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA. · Disaster Manag Response. · Pubmed #12704320 No free full text.

Abstract: Critical incidents disrupt people's lives by creating strong emotional reactions, which may range from normal stress reactions to post-traumatic stress disorders. Critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) has been used since 1983 as a component of Critical Incident Stress Management. The processes are intended to help individuals manage their normal stress reactions to abnormal events. Although used extensively, research findings to date yield mixed results. Meta-analyses of research studies are reviewed to identify the methods, results, strengths, and weaknesses of the studies that can be used for evidence-based practice.

Mitchell AM, Kameg K, Sakraida TJ. · University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. · Disaster Manag Response. · Pubmed #12688305 No free full text.

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Mitchell AM, Sakraida TJ, Kameg K. · University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 415 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. · Disaster Manag Response. · Pubmed #12685460 No free full text.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the acute stress response with additional information on post-traumatic stress. There is an emphasis on the theoretical foundations and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Risk factors, symptom clusters, and the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder are described as a foundation for clinical implications and a focused nursing assessment.

Mitchell AM, Crane PA, Kim Y. · Department of Health and Community Systems, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and School of Medicine, 3500 Victoria Street, 415 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. · Res Nurs Health. · Pubmed #18449942 No free full text.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of three versions of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS; American Sociological Association) in adults who had survived the death of a family member or significant other by suicide. Reliability and validity were examined. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess dimensionality of the underlying constructs. All three versions of the PSS demonstrated acceptable reliability. Two shorter versions retained good psychometric properties and demonstrated convergent and concurrent validity with measures of posttraumatic stress symptoms and mental health quality of life. Factor analysis provided further evidence of their usefulness as brief and valid measures of perceived stress in acutely bereaved adult survivors of suicide. In a sub-sample of closely related survivors, the psychometric properties of the 4-item version of the PSS were retained.