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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can take place after a severe or prolonged trauma, such as those caused by war, accidents, and other traumatic life events (death, rape). PTSD victims may relive the traumatic episode(s) as triggered by violent memories (flashbacks) or nightmares. Clinical evidence suggests that that soldiers experiencing physical injury during deployment may have a higher prevalence of PTSD. It is common for PTSD victims to experience severe anxiety when exposed to scenarios reminiscent of the original trauma and have the tendency to avoid anything (mentally and physically) that reminds them of the traumatic experience. In addition, patients may manifest persistent alertness and mental hypersensitivity often experiencing insomnia, irritability, and low concentration. At times PTSD sufferers engage in risk-seeking activities such as drug abuse, unprotected sex, etc.

Click here for more information about PTSD from the National Center for PTSD.
Learn about the latest updates from the PTSD National consultation program lecture series. Herein are some of the most recent documents and presentations:

PTSD Recovery Program: Treatment Manual (3^rd ed)                                                                
The PTSD The Recovery Group was created for Veterans to learn a comprehensive understanding of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, including symptomology, triggers, and behaviors that hinder recovery. Veterans will also be taught skills to effectively manage the emotional, social, physiological, and mental effects of PTSD without directly discussing the trauma that brought them to treatment.

The manual was developed with contributions from John Lynch, Ph.D., Laurin Mack, Ph.D., John Benesek, Psy.D. Christa Marshall, Psy.D. Lisa Clevinger, LCSW, Sue McHenry, LCSW, Sarah Reynolds, LCSW, Brian Mutchler, Psy.D. Brian Meyer, Ph.D., Dorothy Panissidi, LCSW., Andrew Jones, Ph.D. & Sandra Hall, LCSW. Revisions by Jennifer A Coleman, M.A., M.S.

Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD 2023: Medication & Other Biological Treatments
By Paul Holtzheimer, MD
Recording (Adobe Connect)

Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD 2023: Psychotherapy Recommendations
By Jessica Hamblen, PhD
Recording (Adobe Connect)

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)- Informed Group for PTSD
Clinical Resources: Facilitator's Guide; Patient's Workbook

In FY2008 a Special Committee on PTSD recognized the dilemma of increasing numbers of Veterans presenting with PTSD and co-morbid Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) faced by VA clinicians and recommended a consensus conference be planned and convened. Click here for a full report.

Learn more about current Innovating Therapies for PTSD.