Overwhelming Grief in a Traumatized World: Evolving Perspectives in Treatment

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane A. Kempson
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Complex Ptsd ◽  
Treatment Interventions ◽  
Traditional Treatment ◽  
Health Care Practitioners ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Morbid Conditions

Treatment of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often associated with co-morbid conditions, has been insufficiently studied and somewhat resistant to traditional treatment interventions. More recent research in the neurobiology of PTSD offers illumination in understanding reasons for such intractability. Neuroscience studies suggest possible reasons for the inabilities of persons with complex PTSD to verbalize their experiences. As a result, health care practitioners are challenged to find more effective interventions in these situations and to stay abreast of the newest research. The author reviews empirical findings of alternative/complementary interventions with a specific focus on body-oriented therapies in facilitating return to normal neurobiological functioning, thereby enhancing efficacy of “talk” therapies in resolution of PTSD.

scholarly journals Intensive EMDR to Treat Patients With Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannelies Bongaerts ◽  
Agnes Van Minnen ◽  
Ad de Jongh
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Complex Ptsd ◽  
Symptom Scale ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Emdr Therapy

There is mounting evidence suggesting that by increasing the frequency of treatment sessions, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment outcomes significantly improve. As part of an ongoing research project, this study examined the safety and effectiveness of intensive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in a group of seven (four female) patients suffering from complex PTSD and multiple comorbidities resulting from childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or work and combat-related trauma. Treatment was not preceded by a preparation phase and consisted of 2 × 4 consecutive days of EMDR therapy administered in morning and afternoon sessions of 90 minutes each, interspersed with intensive physical activity and psychoeducation. Outcome measures were the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and the PTSD Symptom Scale Self-report questionnaire (PSS-SR). During treatment, neither personal adverse events nor dropout occurred. CAPS scores decreased significantly from pre- to posttreatment, and four of the seven patients lost their PTSD diagnosis as established with the CAPS. The results were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) on the CAPS and PSS-SR were large: 3.2, 1.7 (prepost) and 2.3, 2.1 (prefollow-up), respectively. The results of this case series suggest that an intensive program using EMDR therapy is a potentially safe and effective treatment alternative for complex PTSD. The application of massed, consecutive days of treatments using EMDR therapy for patients suffering from PTSD, particularly those with multiple comorbidities, merits more clinical and research attention.

Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Health Care Workers in Earthquake-Affected Areas in Southwest China

2010 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 555-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wang ◽  
Jianxin Zhang ◽  
Mingjie Zhou ◽  
Zhanbiao Shi ◽  
Ping Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Impact

The symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and associated risk factors were investigated among health care workers in earthquake-affected areas in southwest China. 343 health care workers completed the Chinese version of the Impact of Event Scale–Revised 3 mo. after the Wenchuan Earthquake. The prevalence of probable PTSD was 19%. The significant risk factors identified for PTSD severity included being female, being bereaved, being injured, and higher intensity of initial fear. These findings suggest that PTSD is a common mental health problem among health care workers in earthquake-affected areas. The present information can be useful in directing, strengthening, and evaluating disaster-related mental health needs and interventions after an earthquake.

Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With Somatic Symptoms, Health Care Visits, and Absenteeism Among Iraq War Veterans

2007 ◽  
Vol 164 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles W. Hoge ◽  
Artin Terhakopian ◽  
Carl A. Castro ◽  
Stephen C. Messer ◽  
Charles C. Engel
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Iraq War ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
War Veterans
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