# 1 thing that all treatments mention is SAFETY
Followed by: coping skills/ support system/ regaining control/ reducing stress/ relaxation skills/ self nourishing
2. What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD)?
Causes of PTSD
Effects of PTSD
Treatment of PTSD
3. “A psychological reaction occurring during
experiencing a highly stressing event that is
usually characterized by depression, anxiety,
flash backs, recurrent nightmares, and
avoidance of reminders of the event”
(Merriam-Webster’s, p.1)
Classified by symptoms of reliving the event,
avoiding situations reminding one of the
event, negative changes in beliefs, and
feeling jittery.
4. Any trauma that is life-threatening - affects
physical of emotional well-being
This can include:
Being a victim of or seeing violence
Death
War or combat
Car accidents
Hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires
Violent crimes, like a robbery
5. Common Symptoms
Suffering from bad dreams
Feeling like the event is happening
again(flashbacks)
Experiencing uncontrollable thoughts
Avoiding places that remind one of the event
Feeling worried, guilty, or sad
Sleeping too little or too much
Feeling on edge
Fighting with loved ones
Feeling alone
6. Children may show other types of problems
Being unable to talk
Complaining of stomach problems or headaches a
lot
Refusing to go places or play with friends
7. May include: therapy, medication, or both
6-12 weeks (depending on the person, could
take longer)
Treatment varies from person to person
Alcohol and drugs make PTSD worse
8. Four weekly, 50-min, single family joining
sessions
Phase 1: strengthens family relationships
Phase 2: emphasizes family needs
Phase 3: focuses on problem-solving
9. Relationship building
Old vs. new values
Establishes a meaning for the event
Reduces:
Automatic distress to similar events
Hyperarousal
Increases:
Person’s ability to take risk
10. Learning to change one’s thoughts about the
trauma that are not true or which cause
stress
Patients are taught to disassemble their
problems into various parts, making the
problem more manageable and less
overwhelming
Improves mood and outlook
11. Helps patients face and gain control of the
fear and distress that was overwhelming in
the trauma
Could result in re-traumatizing the patient
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0WdiYG
B13A
12. Ability to manage fear and stress determines
a huge role in whether one will develop PTSD
Support greatly influences the victim
Treatment is crucial to improving overall
health!
13. Fischer, E., Sherman, M., Han, X., & Owen, R.
(2013, June). Outcomes of participation in the
REACH multifamily group program for veterans
with PTSD and their families. American
Psychological Association, 44(3), 127-134.
Grohol, J. (2009). What is exposure therapy?
Psych Central. Retrieved on April 19, 2014, from
http://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-exposure-
therapy/0001640.
Post-traumatic stress disorder. (1980). Merriam-
Webster Online. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (easy-to-read).
(2013). Department of Health and Human
Services. Retrieved April 27, 2014.