Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Definition
The following definition of PTSD comes from Psychology Today.
“Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stress related disorder that may develop after exposure to an event or ordeal in which death, severe physical harm or violence occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or unnatural disasters, accidents, or military combat.”
Key concepts: etiology and diagnosis, evidence based treatments, co-occurring problems, and measurement based care, in patient care, pharmacotherapy, Sx reduction, trauma, veterans.
Relevant Research Articles
Epidemiology of posttraumatic stress disorder
Atwoli, L., Stein, D. J., Koenen, K. C., & Mclaughlin, K. A. (2015). Epidemiology of posttraumatic stress disorder. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 28(4), 307-311.
This review discusses recent findings from epidemiological surveys of traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) globally, including their prevalence, risk factors, and consequences in the community
Post-traumatic stress disorder: Epidemiology and health-related considerations
Hildago, R. B., & Davidson, J. R. (2000). Post-traumatic stress disorder: Epidemiology and health-related considerations. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 61 (supp 7), 5-13.
An article that explains a study trying to better understand the societal cost of PTSD. Traumatic exposure and PTSD have an impact on the individual’s health, health care service utilization, and general functioning. Such effects provoke a considerable economic burden not only for those persons experiencing trauma and PTSD, but also for the health care system and society as a whole.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, drug dependence, and suicidality among male Vietnam veterans with a history of heavy drug use
Price, R. K., Risk, N. K., Haden, A. H., Lewis, C. E., & Spitznagel, E. L. (2004). Post-traumatic stress disorder, drug dependence, and suicidality among male Vietnam veterans with a history of heavy drug use. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 76 Supp, S 31-43.
An article looking at the role of PTSD and drug dependence in non-fatal suicidality among Vietnam Veterans.
Clinical challenges in the treatment of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and substance abuse
Schafer, I., & Najavits, L. M. (2007). Clinical challenges in the treatment of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and substance abuse. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 20, 614-618.
The aim of the article is to review the current literature on co-occuring posttraumatic stress disorder and substance-use disorder, with an emphasis on clinical aspects and emerging treatments.
Current Books
The body keeps the score: brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma
The body keeps the score: brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma.
Dr. Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust.
Kolk, B. V. D. (2015). The body keeps the score: brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. NY, NY: Penguin Books.
What it is like to go to war
What it is like to go to war
The author recounts experiences that, outside the arena of war, are horrifying or embarrassing for the soldiers who lived them during the Vietnam War. Marlantes exposes veterans’ self-destructive code of silence as the price for re-entering our society.
Marlantes, K. (2012). What it is like to go to war. Rearsby: Clipper Large Print.
E-book: The Truth About Trauma
E-book: The Truth About Trauma
An ebook about Trauma and PTSD using a personal account and what to do. Has a nice list of resources and explains the DSM-IV Criteria for PTSD.
The Truth About Trauma by Shelly Beach and Wanda Sanchez
Top Websites and Links
A great resource on trauma interventions including the six key principles.
Assists behavioral health professionals in understanding the impact and consequences for those who experience trauma. Discusses patient assessment, treatment planning strategies that support recovery, and building a trauma-informed care workforce.
The National Institute of Mental Health’s page on PTSD. Provides a great introduction to PTSD including useful information on the signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatment of PTSD.
The US Department of Veterans Affairs page for PTSD. It is dedicated to research and education on trauma and PTSD. They work to assure that the latest research findings help those exposed to trauma.
Webinars and Online Trainings
CASAT Trainings
Training website of all trainings offered through CASAT at UNR
National Center for PTSD Continuing Education VA
List of course on PTSD that earn Continuing Education credits
Gift from Within PTSD Resources for Survivors and Caregivers
A large collection of webcast and podcasts for those interested in PTSD.
Tools Available Online
Williams, M. B., & Poijula, S. (2016). The PTSD workbook: simple, effective techniques for overcoming traumatic stress symptoms. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc. A workbook that offers the most effective tools available for overcoming PTSD.
Toolkits for clergy, police, college campus, from the National Center for PTSD.
An online page through the VA where experienced online coaches will take you through tools that help you build skills to help you deal with your symptoms of PTSD.
An online tool that allows people to learn about treatment options for PTSD, see what is fitting for his or her individual case, and then prepare users for next steps towards starting treatment.
PTSD Guides
Infographics
PTSD - a National Disorder
What Are The Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD - Military Pathways
News Articles
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy Holds Promise for PTSD Treatment
Positive results found from early study on using MBSR as a form of treatment for people with PTSD.
A Veteran Wonders: How Will my PTSD Affect my Kids
One woman’s story of how PTSD affects her life and family ten years after returning from war.
Marijuana may hold promise in treating veterans with PTSD
Story of trying to find scientific proof of benefits of using Marijuana as treatment and relief of veterans with PTSD.
The PTSD Trap: Our Over diagnosis of PTSD in Vets is enough to make you Sick.
Redirected from http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/?p=101958
A counter point questioning if over diagnosis of PTSD is harming veterans.
Nevada Health Department allows treating PTSD with Marijuana
Nevada State Health Department now allows people with PTSD to qualify for medical marijuana.
See http://www.connorpllc.com/new-relief-nevadas-ptsd-sufferers/ and
https://www.leafly.com/news/health/qualifying-conditions-for-medical-marijuana-by-state
Media
Interviews and Videos about PTSD
Nevada Specific Resources
CASAT Conversations Season 1: Behind the Front-Line: Supporting the Families of Front-Line Staff and First Responders
A podcast created for families and intimate partners of front-line staff and first responders. Dr. Trudy Gilbert-Eliot, author of Healing Secondary Trauma: Proven Strategies for Caregiver provides educational tips, stress management techniques, and ways to build resilience within the family. Family members of first responders and front-line staff also share their stories highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of what it’s like to be an intimate partner of a first responder.
The State of Nevada Network of Care for Public Health Assessment and Wellness.
A resource center with links, blogs, forums, and many other useful articles on PTSD
Mental Illness in Nevada: Screening, Intervention and Intercepts to Avoid System Failure
A Nevada Specific Presentation about Mental Illness including PTSD.