(Online Course) Epidemiology of PTSD in Military Personnel and Veterans: Working with Service Members and Veterans with PTSD

90 minutes

Description

Research on combat trauma survivors from WWII to Vietnam to the present wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has contributed to our understanding of the etiology of PTSD as well as the development of empirically-based treatments for this disorder. This interactive online training course traces this history and provides an overview of the prevalence of trauma and PTSD, specifically related to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Diagnostic criteria, assessment strategies and treatment options for PTSD are also reviewed to assist mental health providers in increasing their competence in working with Service members and veterans exposed to trauma.

Outline

  1. Introduction

  2. Prevalence of trauma and the development of PTSD

    1. The lifetime prevalence of trauma

    2. Definition of trauma

    3. Common reactions to trauma

    4. DSM-IV-TR criteria for PTSD

    5. Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD

    6. Factors that contribute to persistent PTSD

    7. Risk factors for Service members serving in OIF/OEF

  3. Trauma exposure and emotional reactions during OIF/OEF deployments

    1. Challenges of OIF/OEF

    2. Combat stressors

    3. Combat exposure in Iraq

    4. Relationship between OIF combat experience and PTSD

    5. Other research findings from OIF/OEF

    6. PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

    7. Other types of combat-related experiences

  4. Assessing PTSD and common co-morbidities

    1. Common co-morbid problems

      1. Depression

      2. Suicidal thoughts

      3. Anger or aggressive behavior

      4. Substance misuse/abuse

    2. PTSD and health problems

    3. PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

    4. PTSD and relationship problems

    5. Effects on work functioning

  5. Treatment of PTSD

    1. Medication

    2. Exposure therapy

    3. Stress inoculation therapy

    4. Cognitive therapy

    5. Other types of treatment

    6. Length of treatment

    7. Barriers to treatment

Learning Objectives

  1. To describe the prevalence of trauma and PTSD, as well as factors that contribute to the development of PTSD.

  2. To recognize types of trauma exposure and emotional reactions for OIF/OEF veterans.

  3. To identify empirically-validated assessment tools and evidence-based treatments for PTSD.

  4. To recognize the stigma and barriers Service members and veterans face related to seeking care for PTSD.

Notes

None