Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is one of the effects of Warzone Related Stress. It's very common for other conditions to occur along with PTSD. Conditions such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Those with PTSD and related symptoms often have problems functioning in society, resulting in more unemployment, divorce or separation, spousal abuse, homelessness and substance abuse. More information is available at www.ptsd.va.gov.
What is PTSD?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that can occur following the experiencing or witnessing of a traumatic event. It affects men and women, of all ages and from all walks of life. Those in the military who have experienced service in war zones are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms can involve reliving the trauma in some way, isolation or avoidance of reminders of the trauma and/or feelings of constant anxiety or irritation. In addition to these symptoms we now know that there are clear biological changes associated with PTSD.
Treatment of PTSD
There are effective treatments available for PTSD and realted disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) appears to be the most effective type of counseling according to the National Center for PTSD. There are different types of CBT, allowing professionals and care givers to provide help and assistance based on individual needs and situations.
- Cognitive Therapy
- Exposure Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
Assessment for PTSD
There are different types of measuring tools and protocols used to assess for PTSD.
- Structured Interviews: A standard set of questions that an interviewer asks, records responses to and then evaluates.
- Self Report Questionnaire: Self administered questionnaire scored based on a pre-determined scale.
- P-300 Instrument: Measures actual brain wave activity to provide a quantified measure of PTSD potential.
KFWI Re-Entry Program
A structured, situation relevant program that reinforces and re-affirms basic real-life skills and attitudes. It provides PTSD sufferers and with essential tools to transition to their former lifestyle, and successfully re-integrate into society. The program content is outlined in the Re-Entry PDF that you can access by clicking here.