Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition triggered by traumatic events and characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. Treatment may involve therapy, medication, or a combination of both, tailored to individual needs, and typically lasts between 6 to 12 weeks. Effective management and support are crucial for recovery, as they improve overall health and help patients regain control over their trauma-related distress.

1. Jackie Williams

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.