Symptoms of PTSD
Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder is a complex health condition that can develop in response to a traumatic
experience – a life-threatening or extremely distressing situation that causes a person
to feel intense fear, horror or a sense of helplessness. PTSD can cause severe problems
at home or at work. Anyone can develop PTSD – men, women, children, young and old alike.
Source: PTSD Alliance
Traumatic experiences shake the foundations of our beliefs about safety,
and shatter our assumptions of trust. Because they are so far outside what we would expect, these events provoke
reactions that feel strange and "crazy". Perhaps the most helpful thing I can
say here is that even though these reactions are unusual and disturbing, they
are typical and expectable. By and large, these are normal responses to
abnormal events. This page briefly summarizes some of what we know about
traumatic symptoms and responses, and includes links describing PTSD symptoms
and coping strategies. Other links lead to more research-oriented issues,
such as measuring treatment efficacy, etc. Succeeding pages at
this site provide additional links to more detailed references,
online articles, and web resources helpful in understanding
trauma responses and treatment.
Source: Survive- UK
PTSD is a natural emotional reaction to a
deeply shocking and disturbing experience. It is a normal reaction to an
abnormal situation.
Source:
PTSD and illnesses or injuries affecting
brain function are not a matter of personal will.
Source: Canadian Forces Health Services
There is hope for healing, and managing the disorder. The following links provide additional resources and information on Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder for those affected including combat military veterans, victims of physical or psychological trauma
and abuse, their loved ones and family.
Symptoms of PTSD, conditions that cause it, delayed onset, secondary wounding, learning to accept the
syndrome, medical treatment plans, thearpy, counseling, and recovery are discussed. Information on
disassociation, complex PTSD, childhood PTSD, the neurobiology of trauma, and fear is also included.
Information on symptons of PTSD, and stress reactions, including intrusive thoughts, anger, avoidance, hyperarousal, and reexperiencing through vivid memories or flashbacks.
Discusses the environment necessary for healing in cognitive/behavioral and psychodynamic treatment- reestablishing feelings of trust and safety, coping with hyperarousal, desensitation to memory triggers, group therapy for support, and developing community.
PTSD 'Gold Standard' Treatment Approaches
Several methods of treatment- Dynamic Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive-behavioral Therapy and Pharmacotherapy are discussed in detail. Setraline and Zoloft's use in Pharmacotherapy, as well as research into new treatment methods, such as the use of D-Cycloserine, are linked. Uncomplicated and complex PTSD defined.
A partial list of facilities, and programs designed for the treatment of trauma. Inpatient, outpatient, residential, day treatment, and support group recovery.
Research into new treatments for PTSD, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EDMR), Virtual Reality, and D-Cycloserine use. Also includes research into understanding the etiology of PTSD and its effect on the brain.
The Biological Underpinnings of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD may cause actual structural changes in the brain, and neurochemical reactions are involved in PTSD responses. Explore what some of the brain parts and processes involved in the PTSD response are. Results of prefrontal cortex, temporal, frontal lobe, and limbic system testing in patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Secondary wounding occurs when the people, the institutions, caregivers, and others to whom the survivor turns for emotional, legal, financial, medical, or other assistance respond in unhelpful or disbelieving, hurtful ways.
If you, a loved one, or a member of your family has PTSD and suicidal thoughts, I do not want you, or them to become a casualty of this disease, either because the VA cannot help in a timely enough manner or there are not resources available for crisis intervention. There is plenty of time to learn about PTSD through the information provided on this site and through the links below, but if you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. More information and resources on suicide crisis intervention are linked here.
The European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
Established in 1993, this is the European network for professionals in the field of psychotraumatology.
The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
Multidisciplinary network of professionals who are committed to the advancement of intervention for survivors of trauma.
The International Society for the Study of Dissociation
Promotes research and training in the identification and treatment of dissociative disorders.
The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
ISTSS provides a forum for sharing research, clinical strategies, public policy concerns and theoretical formulations about trauma in the United States and around the world.
Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists
The Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists (ATSS) provides internationally recognized certifications for trauma responders in anummber of disciplines.
International, peer reviewed journal.
American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
Traumatic Stress Library
An electronic index to the traumatic stress literature within the Veteran Administrations NCPTSD site.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Law by Trevor Hicks
Legal research guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as it relates to veterans.
David Baldwin's Trauma Information Pages
Provides information for clinicians and researchers in the traumatic-stress field.
Information on clinical and research aspects of trauma responses and their resolution.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Database
An electronic database of top papers, authors, journals, and institutions for the time period 1994-2004.
Psychological Trauma and Abuse
A list of peer reviewed journals maintained by Jennifer Freyd.
The National Center for PTSD - Veterans Administration
The main index for PTSD within the Veteran Administrations site.
Military Veteran's PTSD Reference Manual
Online manual for veterans, compiled by a veteran, which outlines information on recognition and diagnosis of PTSD.
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health's PTSD page.
The International Society for the Study of Dissociation
Promotes research and training in the identification and treatment of dissociative disorders.
Anxiety Disorders Association of America, Inc.
The ADAA promotes the early diagnosis, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders, and is committed to improving the lives of the people who suffer from them.
A leader in traumatic stress education and advocacy, Sidran is a nationally-focused
nonprofit organization devoted to helping people who have experienced
traumatic life events. Articles on trauma and PTSD.
UK Services and Academic Groups with a Focus on Trauma.
The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma
A global resource for journalists who cover violence.
The National Center for Victims of Crime
PTSD resources within the center for victims of crime.
A reliable and unbiased public service site about posttraumatic stress disorder. The site provides information, a self-test, and a directory of clinicians.
One Vietnam Veteran's story
The Humane Guide to VA benefits