What is Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Medical professionals began to notice PTSD as a problem
during World War I and referred to it then as “Shell
Shocked.” Today, PTSD continues to be a significant problem
for our veterans and is now recognized as a disorder that
effects people everywhere.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that may develop after a person
(adult or child) is exposed to an extremely frightening
event. The event may happen to them or they may see someone
else hurt. Some events that may trigger PTSD are physical
or sexual assault, war, a car wreck, terrorist attack and
natural disasters. It is not uncommon for PTSD to have an
effect that lasts for years. Parents often wonder why their
child is out of control when the traumatic event occurred
years ago. Adults, also, do not understand that an event
that happened twenty years ago can still create problems
for them.
Fortunately, there are now ways to help those who struggle
with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Treatments generally
require a three stage approach which includes managing
symptoms, gradually processing the traumatic memories and
integrating changes. Some of the techniques that Ms. Woods
utilizes are: Psycho-education; Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy; Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy; EMDR. These
techniques have been researched for the past 20 years and
have been shown to be effective. For more information on
PTSD see the links below:
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
www.mayoclinic.com/health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/DS00246
For PTSD and Children:
http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_children.html
www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/posttraumatic_stress_disorder_ptsd
Home
