Post Traumatic Stress

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer provides a critical analysis on the topic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as it is presented in the popular press. Often popular topics such as PTSD are reviewed by authors without a clear understanding of the research or data. Although the popular press provides the laymen with a clear means for accessing critical health information, often a clear evaluation of the research from which data is gleaned cannot be effectively assessed by the reader. Using this as a basis for investigation, this research considers a recent article published by New Scientist, written by D. MacKenzie, on the topic of PTSD. The writer concludes that through a careful review of the article and a review of the scholarly literature published on this disorder, it is possible to effectively evaluate the overall quality of the information provided in this popular press article.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"MacKenzie contends that while the link between PTSD and heart disease has been reported in the literature, the link between PTSD and cancer has not been established otherwise. Based on the data provided by Boscarino, PTSD may lead to a host of physical health complications that can increase death rate by natural causes.
"To support the research provided by Boscarino, MacKenzie goes on to note another study in which researchers found that Israeli veterans of fighting in Lebanon in 1982 who developed PTSD were more likely to have a host of physical health aliments including: high blood pressure, ulcers, diabetes, heart disease and head aches. In an effort to understand the impact of this condition, MacKenzie concludes her article by speculating what the outcomes will be for soldiers currently serving in Iraq. According to statistics released from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 18 percent of Iraqi war veterans or 60,000 soldiers could suffer from PTSD. Given the implications of this research, MacKenzie provides a call to action in an effort to mitigate the negative physical health outcomes that may befall these veterans."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ginzburg, K. (2004). PTST and world assumptions following myocardial infarction: A longitudinal study. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 74(3), 286-292.
• MacKenzie, D. (2005). Trauma of war hits troops years later. New Scientist. Accessed October 23, 2007 at: http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/mg18725143.800-trauma-of-war-hits-troops-years-later.html.
• Martz, E., & Livneh, H. (2007). Do posttraumatic reactions predict future time perspective among people with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus? Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 50(2), 87-98.
• Romanoff, M.R. (2006). Assessing military veterans for posttraumatic stress disorder. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 18(9), 409-413.
• Weisler, R.H., Barbee, J.G., & Townsend, M.H. (2006). Mental health and recovery in the gulf coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Journal of the American Medical Association, 296(5), 585-588.

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• Research Paper # 147502 : "A Description of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder"

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