Research

The Centre has completed four major studies since it opened in 2002.

The first was a randomised control trial of the therapeutic approach being used by the Centre entitled, 'Post-traumatic stress disorder in the context of terrorism and other civil conflict in Northern Ireland: randomised controlled trial'. This research was published by the British Medical Journal in 2007 and concluded that cognitive therapy is an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder related to terrorism and other civil conflict. Download more information on the Research Resource Download page.

The second research project was a regional study of the prevalence and distribution of Troubles related trauma entitled, 'Trauma, Health and Conflict in Northern Ireland' (May 2008). The Research was carried out in partnership with the University of Ulster and was funded by the Big Lottery Fund. The research team concluded that at a minimum, one quarter of all lifetime PTSD and possibly as much as one third is linked to traumatic events associated with the civil conflict. Download more information on the Research Resource Download page.

The third, "The Economic Impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Northern Ireland" (December 2011) was again undertaken in partnership with the University of Ulster (The Bamford Centre for Mental Health & Well-being, at the University of Ulster - Magee Campus).  

Again in partnership with the Bamford Centre the fourth research project, "Ageing, health and Conflict - An investigation of the experience of troubles related trauma among older adults in Northern Ireland" was launched in May 2012

Other papers

In September 2005 a group of 50 or so USA and UK academics, researchers, practitioners and authors in disaster mental health, trauma and related fields met in the Emergency Planning College in York, England, to participate in a 3-day workshop aimed at considering the mental health challenges and issues arising from catastrophic events.  A report on the workshop was subsequently published and can be downloaded on the Research Resource Download page. The Report draws together the key observations and conclusions of the workshop.  We here at the NICTT are most grateful to the British Consulate in New York and the Emergency Planning College for their support for the workshop and to the participants who made such a significant contribution over the three-day event.