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.