This systematic review of PubMed, PsychINFO, and PILOTS identified 500 publications (1991–2008) on interventions addressing the psychosocial wellbeing and mental health of children affected by violence in low- and middle-income countries. Sixty-six publications (12 treatment outcome studies and 54 intervention descriptions, covering a range of treatment modalities) met inclusion criteria. Most interventions are evaluated positively, while some studies lack evidence for efficacy and effectiveness. Scarcity of rigorous studies, diversity of interventions, and mixed results of evaluations demonstrate a need to identify evidence-based interventions. The literature presents consensus on a number of treatment-related issues, yet the application remains limited across interventions.

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There has been a great need to develop a research agenda to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings; prior research in this area has had limited inputs from practitioners. The authors developed a consensus-based research agenda for the next ten years through inputs from an interdisciplinary group of academics, policy makers, and practitioners representing regions where humanitarian crises occur, published in PloS Medicine. The ten most highly prioritized research questions consisted of questions related to problem analysis, mental health and psychosocial support interventions, research and information management, and mental health and psychosocial support context.

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