Comprehensive View of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Populations, Etiology, Treatments, and More

• NCJ Number: 215503
• Journal: Journal of Police Crisis Negotiations Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 93-124
• Author(s): Shirley Amanda McPherson-Sexton M.S.
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 32 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article provides an overview of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including an examination of PTSD in special populations, and reviews the psychological approaches to treating it.

Abstract

PTSD is a cluster of negative psychological symptoms brought on by a traumatic event. The specific symptoms and prevalence of PTSD are discussed, followed by a review of PTSD in special populations including children, the elderly, law enforcement officers, war veterans, crime victims, and natural disaster survivors. PTSD is a highly prevalent disorder that can have significant negative outcomes for emotional and physical health. Research is presented that indicates women are twice as likely as men to suffer from PTSD symptoms across different cultures, different environments, and across many types of trauma. The importance of culturally valid research on PTSD is underscored as the results of a PTSD study in Mexico are presented. This study revealed that because of the harsh realities of life in Mexico, Mexican subjects experienced PTSD at higher rates than subjects from the United States. The author discusses how PTSD is assessed and diagnosed and notes that in the absence of a traumatic event, the diagnosis of PTSD cannot be given. Many of the symptoms of PTSD are similar to other anxiety disorders and depressive disorders, including specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, and sleep disturbance. The role of memories is considered paramount in PTSD and those who suffer from the disorder experience intense flashbacks of the trauma that evoked strong negative emotions. Treatments for PTSD are reviewed and include pharmacological treatments, cognitive-behavioral and short-term treatments, imaginal and in-vivo exposure with cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, group treatments, treatments for complex PTSD, treatments specifically for children, self-help interventions, and relapse prevention. Treatments of PTSD in special populations (law enforcement, war veterans, crime victims, and natural disaster survivors) are considered and the author notes that the successful treatment of PTSD ultimately involves changing the clients’ inaccurate beliefs about the world and self. References