Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses and analyzes the relationship between strategies, techniques and coping skills and how these skills may advance the quality of life of veterans afflicted with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The paper begins by defining the disorder and then analyzes the literature with regards to coping management of the disorder. The paper concludes that a more holistic approach to PTSD is needed than was previously applied to it.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1.
Introduction
Preamble: Overview and Definitions
Statement of the Problem
Beyond the Military Context
Hypothesis and Rationale
The Importance of Coping Mechanisms
Methodology
Chapter 2.
Literature Review
General Considerations
Prevalent Theories and Coping Methods
Variables and Co-morbidity
Coping Mechanisms
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Tricyclic Antidepressants are used in treating the symptoms of PTSD. However the results of the effectiveness of this treatment have been 'mixed' in many studies. "In several studies, their use resulted in modest lessening of the symptoms of reexperiencing and minimal or no effect on avoidance or arousal symptoms." (LANGE J. T. and LANGE C.L. 2000) Another group of drugs that has historically been used in the treatment of PTSD are benzodiazepines. However the effect of benzodiazepines on the main PTSD symptoms has not been conclusively proven in trials and studies. Studies also state that while these agent are effective against anxiety and irritability they should be used with caution due to"...the high frequency of comorbid substance dependence in patients with PTSD. Patients should be fully informed of the risks and benefits of these medications, including the risks of dependency and of withdrawal after abrupt discontinuation." (LANGE J. T. and LANGE C.L. 2000)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• A Review of the Scientific Literature As It Pertains to Gulf War Illnesses, Volume 4: Stress. Retrieved June 20, 2006, from http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/library/randrep/stress/
• Adams, D. B. (1997). Recovery from orthopaedic trauma: Psychodynamics and psychopathology: Conclusion & implications. Psychotherapy Bulletin, 32(2), 131-136.
• Addressing the Need for Critical Incident Stress Management. (2002, October). Occupational Hazards, 64, 6. Retrieved June 22, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002497296
• Aldwin, C. M. (1999). Stress, coping, and development: An integrative approach. New York: Guilford.
• Aldwin, C. M., Levenson, M. R., & Spiro, A. III. (1994). Vulnerability and resilience to combat exposure: Can stress have lifelong effects? Psychology and Aging, 9, 33-44.

More papers on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:

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• Descriptive Essay # 113588 : "Post-traumatic Stress Disorder"

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