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Stress Risk and Resilience in Syrian and Iraqi Refugees and Survivors of Torture
The Syria and Iraq Civil Wars have exposed millions of civilians to extreme physical and emotional trauma. However, little is known about the mental health impact on refugee children.
In this study we have been following a cohort of 400 children and adult refugees resettling in Southeast Michigan and have established the prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
We have also been researching environmental, inflammatory, genetic (the first Middle Eastern cohort in Psychiatric Genetic Consortium), somatic, and family correlates of stress among refugees.
Funded by an NICHD R01 grant, we are currently examining the environmental, biomarker (epigenetic, autonomic: startle response and skin conductance response), and family correlates of illness course among the refugee children and their parents.
Bringing Exposure Therapy to Real Life Context with Augmented Reality and Telepsychiatry
This patented project uses the cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) technology in conjunction with telepsychiatry to bring exposure therapy to real-life contexts.
The purpose is to overcome the geographical barriers for access to trained therapists, provide therapists with a variety of feared objects and situations at their command, to use for exposure therapy, and help contextualization of safety learning in as many real-life environments as possible. The patient’s AR headset wirelessly connects to the therapist’s computer where the therapist can see a 3D map of the patient’s environment. From a drop-down menu the therapist can choose the type (spider, dog, snake or different types), color, size, and behavior of the virtual objects for exposure therapy. Our clinical trial showed impressive results, where all patients treated for fear of spiders, were able to touch a real live tarantula, or the tank containing it in less than one hour during one session treatment.
Currently we are also developing AR human encounter scenarios for treatment of PTSD, and helping first responders with work-related trauma. We have also developed a cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced AR technology, that allows automated interaction between the patients and the AR human characters.
To learn more click here:
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Frontline Strong Together
This State funded effort represents a partnership between WSU Dept of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, and the Unions representing Police Officers, Fire Fighters, EMT’s, Paramedics, Correctional Officers, and Dispatchers across the 83 Michigan Counties.
The aim of this project is to address work related stress, trauma and PTSD among first responders and their families by development of comprehensive behavioral and mental health education program, training and treatment to strengthen, and improve work-life resiliency, career longevity and prevention of disruptive symptoms of overwhelming stress levels.
Programs address both acute and chronic stress factors, offering Interventions and education utilizing academic and researched methodologies that will utilize both in-person and virtual approaches as well as an interactive web-based resource portal for interested parties.
STARC is involved in providing training, treatment, and development of augmented reality and telemedicine technologies for treatment of PTSD among first responders.
A Dose-Response Study of the Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Cellular Aging
This study is examining the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) - specifically group-based fitness boxing - on perceived stress, anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and genetic aging.
We are leveraging a partnership with TITLE Boxing Club, the world’s largest fitness boxing franchise with more than 150 branches across the U.S., to access a large and diverse population of physically healthy adults.
If you like what you see and would like to help us continue our work, you can make donations here!
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