6 natural as opposed to a therapeutically-induced change, but this could be conclusively tested in the absence of an untreated control group. It was also evident that there were some small changes in the SRQ-20 scores after assessment [SRQ20(1)], as well as in the clients’ behaviour: most smartened themselves up for the second and third interview, and several reported feeling better. The therapeutic effects of assessment are often underrated, and this data clearly shows that assessment must be seen as part of therapy and drawing upon many of the factors that make therapy effective. Figure 2. Changes in CAPS scores. 25 Score. 20 15 mean sd 10 5 0 CAPS(1) CAPS(2) Occasion of testing. As can be seen from Figure 2, all the scores on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale [CAPS] declined to almost zero, but this was most marked for the group who had clinically significant scores on initial assessment: scores greater than 19 on either the Frequency or the Intensity subscales of the CAPS. A substantial number of the group did not report any PTSD, which was not surprising and in line with previous work10. Thus, we did not get any changes in the non-PTSD sub-sample, but very pronounced change in the sub-sample that did report PTSD. These data additionally support the finding that there was clinically significant improvement as a result of the treatment. As regards the self-ratings [see Figure 3 over], the clients initially showed little change in their symptoms, as measured by the differences observed between the therapeutic interview and the first follow-up at three months. There was then sustained improvement at six months and one year, with the group showing small positive change overall. This small effect could be improved upon by the use of more comprehensive self-report measures, but this also has to be traded against the ability of a largely non-literate client group to complete such measures. The therapy approach itself seemed to be acceptable to the clients, and was not difficult to implement. It followed logically on the detailed assessment procedure, and the combination of feedback, psychoeducation and problem solving is a useful approach to the management of trauma. Obviously, these 10 Here see Amani Trust (2005), The Medical and Psychological Consequences of the Liberation War. A report on survivors from Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe, HARARE: AMANI TRUST. AMANI TRUST: Psycho-Social assistance to Survivors of the Liberation War. A report on Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe.