Authors
Vania Miteva¹,
Anna Spasova²,
Sofia Shtereva-Katcarowa^3
1Director VM Psychology Services, EMDR Accredited Trainer (EMDRAA, EMDRNZ), EMDR Accredited Consultant (EMDRAA, EMDRNZ, EMDRIA), 808A Inland Road, RD 2, Helensville 0875, New Zealand
²Director, Thorax, Clinical Psychologist, EMDR Therapist, Bulgaria,
³Psychologist, Thorax, EMDR Therapist, Bulgaria

Background and Aims
This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization (ASSYST)
Treatment Intervention in a group format (ASSYST-G) for Bulgarian flood victims. Created by Dr. Ignacio Jarero, ASSYST-G integrates core therapeutic elements of the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) [2-5].

Method
A pre-post repeated measures design was used with 24 participants (mean age: 63.38 years). Primary outcomes included the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Short Form [5] and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) [1], assessed at baseline, one-week post-treatment, and followups at three and six weeks.

Results
A one-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated clinically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms on the PCL-5 Short Form: Wilks' Lambda = .419, F(3,15) = 6.92, p = .004, partial eta squared = .581, with observed power = .932. Significant reductions in flood-related distress (VAS) were also observed: Wilks' Lambda = .206, F(3,15) = 19.22, p < .001, partial
eta squared = .794, with observed power = 1.000.

Conclusions and Recommendations
The findings suggest that ASSYST-G effectively reduces PTSD symptomatology among Bulgarian flood survivors. Future research should explore randomized controlled trials and strategies for optimized implementation post-disaster

Abstract Topic
Evaluating ASSYST-G for PTSD Symptom Reduction in Bulgarian Flood Victims

Learning Objectives
1. Understand the ASSYST-G intervention’s structure in post-disaster contexts.
2. Evaluate the statistical outcomes for PTSD and distress reduction after ASSYST-G.
3. Recognize ASSYST-G’s applications and limitations for trauma symptom reduction in disaster-affected populations.

References
1. Aitken RC. Measurement of feelings using visual analogue scales. Proc R Soc Med. 1969;62:989–993.
2. Becker, Y., Estévez, M.E., Pérez, M.C., Osorio, A., Jarero, I., & Givaudan, M. (2021) Longitudinal Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial on the Provision of the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization
Remote for Groups to General Population in Lockdown During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychology and Behavioral Science International Journal, 16(2),1-11. https://tinyurl.com/ye2zkm7n
3. Jarero I, Artigas L. AIP Model-Based Acute Trauma and Ongoing Traumatic Stress Theoretical Conceptualization (Fourth Edition). Iberoam J Psychotraumatol Dissociation. 2018;10(1):1-10. Available from: https://tinyurl.com/ydtwn7jy
4. Jarero I, Givaudan M, Osorio A. Randomized Controlled Trial on the Provision of the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol Adapted for Ongoing Traumatic Stress to Patients with Cancer. J EMDR Pract Res. 2018;12(3):94-104.
5. Osorio A, Pérez MC, Tirado SG, Jarero I, Givaudan M. Randomized Controlled Trial on the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress with Adolescents and Young Adults Patients with Cancer. Am J Appl Psychol. 2018;7(4):50-56. doi: 10.11648/j.ajap.20180704.11
6. Zuromski KL, Ustun B, Hwang I, Keane TM, Marx BP, Stein MB, Ursano RJ, Kessler RC. Developing an Optimal Short-Form of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Depress Anxiety. 2019;36(9):790–
800. doi: 10.1002/da.22942

Authors
María Jesús Taboada Costas ¹,
Rosa Molero Mañes²,
Milagros Molero Zafra³,
Marián Pérez-Marín⁴,
Nuria Albiñana-Cruz⁵,
Anabel González⁶,
Francisco Santolaya Ochando⁷,
María Frenzi Rabito⁸,
¹Asociación EMDR España, C. Barcelona, 11, 15010, A Coruña, Spain
²Generalitat Valenciana, P. de la Alameda,16, 46010, Valencia., Spain
³Universidad Internacional de Valencia, C. del Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002, Valencia, Spain
⁴Universidad de Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain
⁵Universidad de Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain
⁶Hospital de A Coruña, As Xubias, 84, 15006, A Coruña, Spain
⁷Colegio Oficial de Psicología de la Comunidad Valenciana, C. del Compte d’Olocau, 1, 46003,Valencia, Spain
⁸Universidad a Distancia de Madrid, P. General Martínez Campos, 5, 28010, Madrid, Spain

This study evaluates the psychological benefits of the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization Protocol for Groups (ASSYST-G) in individuals affected by the Cold Drop meteorological phenomenon in Valencia, Spain, on October 29, 2024. The intervention aims to prevent clinical complications arising from traumatic stress and improve the mental health of those affected through a psychophysiological approach based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. The Cold Drop event caused significant psychological distress among affected individuals. ASSYST-G was implemented as a therapeutic protocol designed to regulate the hyperactivation of the Sympathetic Nervous System, reduce stress hormone secretion, and restore prefrontal cortex functions, facilitating adaptive processing of traumatic memories. The intervention was conducted over three sessions over one and half days.
Participants, residents or present in affected areas, underwent pre-treatment (Test 0), post-session tests (Tests 1-3), and a follow-up test (Test 4). Psychological distress was assessed using the PCL5 Questionnaire. The study was approved by the Universidad a Distancia de Madrid (UDIMA) ethics committee. ASSYST-G significantly reduced psychological distress symptoms in participants. The protocol facilitated adaptive information processing and improved mental health outcomes. Findings confirm the effectiveness of ASSYST-G as a quick and efficient intervention for disaster-affected populations.

1. Understand the ASSYST-G protocol and its role in trauma recovery.
2. Analyze the impact of inmediate psychological interventions following traumatic events or in post-disaster contexts.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based trauma treatments like ASSYST-G.