Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This book is a user friendly discussion of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as it affects individuals and families. PTSD has become better known and more frequently diagnosed, and affects more than just military families. Causes, diagnosis and treatments, including counseling, medication, and alternative therapy, are discussed. The challenges faced by PTSD individuals and their families are addressed and recommendations are included. New to this edition is information regarding Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and the new policies and treatments in use as well as information about women war veterans, who are a newer demographic for combat PTSD.

Cheryl A. Roberts is a professor of TESOL/Applied Linguistics at the University of Northern Iowa. She has taught courses on the Vietnam War and served as consulting editor on Vietnam War Generation Journal. She also co-chaired Vietnam 2000, a conference held in Ho Chi Minh City. She was married to a Vietnam veteran and lives in Waterloo, Iowa.

Cheryl A. Roberts

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 231
Bibliographic Info: appendices, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2011
pISBN: 978-0-7864-4974-3
eISBN: 978-0-7864-8563-5
Imprint: McFarland
Series: McFarland Health Topics

Preface      1

Introduction      13

1. What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?      19

2. How Is PTSD Diagnosed, and by Whom?      41

3. Who Is at Risk for PTSD? Can PTSD Be Prevented?      49

4. Cross-Cultural Perspectives: Is PTSD a Universal Disorder?      58

5. PTSD and the Individual      72

6. PTSD and the Family      84

7. Can PTSD Families Be Healthy Families?      99

8. Treatment for PTSD: Counseling      113

9. Treatment for PTSD: Medication      140

10. Complementary Techniques for Treating PTSD      155

11. Living with PTSD      168

12. Trends in PTSD Research and Treatment      175

Conclusion      179

Appendix A. Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD (DSM IV)      185

Appendix B. Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (DSM IV)      187

Appendix C. Resources for PTSD Survivors and Families      189

Appendix D. Resources for Veterans      191

Appendix E. Recommended Publications      193

Appendix F. Recommended Films      201

References      209

Index      219

“Presents typical challenges faced by PTSD individuals and their families…helpful recommendations…of great value to veterans or those in the armed services who may be experiencing PTSD and their family and friends”—Library Journal.