BDP Newsletter January 2016 Covers Refugee Mental Health and Dementia Guidelines

The German Association of Psychologists (BDP) published its January 2016 newsletter, detailing several key developments and research findings in the field of psychology.

At the Berlin School of Psychology (PHB), a new volunteer-driven model project has commenced to offer short-term support to refugees experiencing mental health disorders. This initiative aims to prevent psychological disabilities and aid in the integration of refugees into the workforce and society. The project has received funding from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

Significant updates were also presented regarding the S3 guideline "Dementias." Released after five years of work by 23 professional societies and patient organizations, the revised guideline places psychosocial interventions on equal footing with pharmacological treatments for dementia. The publication also emphasizes that Alzheimer's and other dementias can be slowed by preventive measures.

Furthermore, the newsletter discusses the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and psychoses. Studies cited indicate that CBT is a long-term, cost-effective treatment for depression unresponsive to medication alone. Similarly, ambulatory behavioral therapy has shown positive results for psychosis patients. Psychotherapy is also highlighted as an effective long-term treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Additional topics include a model project in Berlin aimed at improving care for mentally ill children, adolescents, and adults while preventing "revolving-door" hospitalizations, and the launch of scientific accompanying research for the "Helpline for Sexual Abuse," which includes a new telephone service for individuals interested in participating in research on childhood trauma.