Definition
- Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderThe history of medicine, occupational health and psychiatry has been punctuated by recurring themes related to what is now called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For several centuries, aversions to, and maladies from, extremely stressful events have been described, but clues to their causes have only recently been discovered. Previously called ‘railway spine’, ‘battle fatigue’ and ‘shellshock’, post-traumatic stress syndromes have been a topic for speculation and diagnosis when no other label will suffice. Over the past 30 years, investigation of traumatic stress has exploded and a substantial mass of research evidence has been gathered. Initially, this was primarily due to an interest in the uniquely pervasive symptoms of Vietnam veterans. However, tragedy is not limited to war and the development of PTSD is not limited to soldiers. The recent proliferation of PTSD research in diverse populations has added to the understanding of PTSD as a mental health disorder, to our understanding of human reactions to stress, and to knowledge about possible links between mental and physical health.
What is PTSD?
- What is PTSD?Whiteboard video covering PTSD basics, such as types of trauma and symptoms.
Online Resources
- CDC-Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in ChildrenAll children may experience very stressful events that affect how they think and feel. Most of the time, children recover quickly and well. However, sometimes children who experience severe stress, such as from an injury, from the death or threatened death of a close family member or friend, or from violence, will be affected long-term. The child could experience this trauma directly or could witness it happening to someone else. When children develop long term symptoms (longer than one month) from such stress, which are upsetting or interfere with their relationships and activities, they may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- National Center for PTSDWe are the world's leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress.
PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. It's normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. The good news is that there are effective treatments. - NIMH-Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.
It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger.
Books
Handbook of PTSD
Unparalleled in its breadth and depth, this state-of-the-art handbook reviews current scientific advances in understanding trauma and PTSD, discusses the implications for clinical practice, and evaluates the status of evidence-based assessment and treatment. The foremost authorities in the field examine posttraumatic psychological reactions on multiple levels, from genes and neurocircuitry to gender and lifespan development. Established and emerging psychological, medical, and public health interventions are discussed in depth, as are issues in tailoring treatment to the needs of different populations. Special topics include forensic issues, resilience, and prevention. The integrative concluding chapter presents a reasoned agenda for future research. Winner--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award
The PTSD
InThe PTSD Workbook, two psychologists and trauma experts gather together techniques and interventions used by PTSD experts from around the world to offer trauma survivors the most effective tools available to conquer their most distressing trauma-related symptoms. Readers learn how to determine the type of trauma they experienced, identify their symptoms, and learn the most effective strategies they can use to overcome them.
War and PTSD
This book describes the history of the human stress reaction and the biological reactions that relate to war. It includes the authors personal involvement with war, veterans and PTSD (PostTraumatic Stress Disorder). The book was written for victims of PTSD, their families, and friends of such victims. PTSD can strike victims of traumas other than war, such as, rape, child molestation and abuse, earthquakes, accidents, and crime. Research has shown, people reaching retirement age can develop PTSD years after experiencing the trauma that caused it. The book could be very helpful to such people. It covers the political and cultural aspects of the Vietnam War and Vietnam veterans who are just now developing PTSD.
Identifying, Assessing, and Treating PTSD at School
By age 16, significant - one might even say "alarming" - numbers of students are demonstrating signs of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Students with PTSD are more likely to develop a range of problems, from delinquent behavior to eating disorders to substance abuse to dropping out. For the school-based professional, the ability to recognize these symptoms and warning signs is essential. Emphasizing prevention as well as intervention, Identifying, Assessing, and Treating PTSD at School clearly defines PTSD, explains its adverse affects on children's academic and social-emotional skills, and offers expert guidance on how to recognize student needs and provide appropriate services. This volume, designed as a practical, easy-to-use reference for school psychologists and other educational professionals: (1) Makes the case for why school psychologists and their colleagues need to be more prepared, willing, and able to identify and serve students with PTSD. (2) Identifies the causes, prevalence, and associated conditions of PTSD. (3) Provides a review of screening, referral, and diagnostic assessment processes. (4) Reviews appropriate treatments for students with PTSD. Today's youth live in an increasingly uncertain world, and school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and general and special education personnel will find Identifying, Assessing, and Treating PTSD at School an invaluable resource in their practices.
Neuropsychology of PTSD
Comprehensively examining the effects of psychological trauma on the brain, this volume integrates neurobiological, clinical, and cognitive aspects of PTSD. Presented is groundbreaking research on the emergence of neuropsychological dysfunctions in specific trauma populations: children, adults, older adults, and victims of closed head injury. Coverage encompasses a range of chronic problems with memory, attention, and information processing that are related to trauma exposure. Linking neuropsychological findings to the realities of clinical practice, the concluding section addresses key implications for PTSD assessment and for pharmacological and psychological treatment.
The psychology of post-traumatic stress disorder - Joelle Rabow Maletis
- The psychology of post-traumatic stress disorder - Joelle Rabow MaletisGet informed on the science behind post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, its symptoms and how the brain reacts to trauma.