Excellent Site For Those Seeking Information On PTSD

[David]

arrow

Joined: Aug 21, 2001
Posts: 77 Posted: 2001-08-26 00:25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope it will help all those that are suffering to gain more of a understanding about the disorder and thereby lift their heads and not be ashamed. And for those that do not have any knowledge or believe this is a non-issue to review all the site and then make a judgement. I am very frustrated at times with those that treat mental health issues as though they do not exist. If they have ever had a bad day even once in their life then they know circumstances can take them to places mentally that they would rather not be. It is no more a shame to have a mental health issue to deal with than it is to have cancer. The only shame is not offering care and hope to the person suffering from either.



Site listed below click on site and you will go directly to it.



www.ncptsd.org



Here's hoping for better health, mental and physical, for all those that are suffering.



arrow>>>>>


phuloi

Joined: Aug 24, 2001
Posts: 18
Wrom: EGAUTFJMVRE

Posted: 2001-08-26 00:45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrow-Thank you for caring.It`s a very informative site.
_________________
May your path be forever straight and your sage pouch always full. Peace,Griz


Sp4LittleJohn

Joined: Aug 22, 2001
Posts: 26
Wrom: SKPNKMBIPBARHDMNNS

Posted: 2001-08-26 09:56
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BA, Thanks for posting this site. Spent quite a while checking it out. Very informative if you dig deep enough. You have just helped me get help for someone else help who didn't know where to turn. Thanks again Sis.
_________________
Pain is only temporary. Pride is forever.


arrow

Joined: Aug 21, 2001
Posts: 77 Posted: 2001-08-26 18:20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No problem brothers. You do have to look at the research areas and so on but it's helped me a lot. Looking for more but want them to lean toward information concerning what is known in the medical community. We need to remember that PTSD is just a new name for what was called Shell Shock and Soldiers Heart. We also need to remember that not only the veteran can have PTSD but the children and the partner depending how severe and how long it goes untreated. The disorder is found in our Police Officers, our Firemen, out rescue workers, and any one in the population that has witnessed or been part of a traumatic event or long term physical and emotional abuse. Men, women and children are all subject to PTSD. arrow>>>>>>
_________________
Saw the people standin' thousand years in chains Somebody said it's different now, look, it's just the same...Pharoahs spin the message, round and round the truth..They could have saved a million people How can I tell you? ccr




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile www Qoute
GoldenDragon

Registered to :Aug 22, 2001
Messages :252
From :North Carolina
Posted 02-09-2001 at 23:07
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After being involved with the VA since 1973 I have learned a lot about dealing with it's system. I don't claim to be a professional of any type, just experienced with the ends and outs of a complex, juggernaut system. There are ways to cut your claim waiting time down drastically while at the same time, increasing your chances of approval. There are factors that are not common knowledge that can backlog a claim indifinately.
If anyone would like some suggestions on filing a claim for PTSD you can contact me at goldendragon_vn@hotmail.com
If I don't know the answer to your question I won't guess but I will locate someone who does know.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile Email www Qoute
Mpkat

Registered to :Oct 31, 2001
Messages :3
From :louisville, ky
Posted 08-11-2001 at 06:17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for the info on this post. I will check it out as you can never learn too much about this topic. Maybe I will earn that there is so many besides myself that have this and don't want to face the facts. I too, thought I just say "Hello" to all especially Arrow! null


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile www Qoute
arrow

Registered to :Aug 21, 2001
Messages :1033
From
Posted 09-11-2001 at 17:54
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Kat, glad to see you made it over here, I hope this info helps. PTSD is all inclusive and is something that has no economic, gender, age, or incident specific barriers. Take care out there Kat the best you can..arrow>>>>>


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile Qoute
arrow

Registered to :Nov 03, 2001
Messages :38
From :
Posted 11-11-2001 at 15:19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are not alone...

About Trauma

FDA Advisory Statement on PTSD
By Esther Giller and Elizabeth Vermilyea
The Sidran Foundation

Thank you for the opportunity to attend this meeting and to present to the FDA information about posttraumatic stress conditions and the need for increased understanding and treatment. The Sidran Foundation is a national nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to educating professionals and the public about traumatic stress conditions, including PTSD.

Prevalence

Kessler et. al. (1995) found that 60% of men and 51% of women in the general population reported at least one traumatic event at some time in their lives. Almost 17% of men and 13% of women who had some trauma exposure had actually experienced more than three such events. These data are consistent with several prevalence studies on PTSD.

The NIH National Comorbidity Survey found that childhood sexual abuse was a very strong predictor of the lifetime likelihood of PTSD. The trauma most likely to produce PTSD was found to be rape, with 65% of men and 45.9% of women who had been raped developing PTSD (Kessler, et al, 1999). This study shows that PTSD is associated with nearly the highest rate of service use and possibly the highest per-capita cost of any mental illness.

Chronicity

Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that PTSD is a chronic problem for many people. Studies of chronicity demonstrate 33-47% of PTSD patients reporting experiencing symptoms more than a year after the traumatic event (Davidson, 1991 & Helzer, 1987).

In a focused study of severe PTSD, Ford (1999) demonstrated exceptionally high levels of service use among patients meeting criteria for DESNOS (Disorders of extreme stress not otherwise specified). Switzer et al. (1999) studied service use among clients with PTSD at an urban mental health center and found 94% of clients had a history of trauma and 42% had PTSD. Switzer documented especially high levels of service use among those with PTSD as compared to others.

Leserman et al. (199 and Freidman and Schnurr (1995) showed that PTSD is also associated with high levels of use of non-mental health services. An HMO study (Walker et. al., 1999) reported substantially increased healthcare costs among patients who reported childhood trauma. (Hidden costs include medical costs for suicidal and parasuicidal behaviors as well as other somatoform and psychophysiological disorders commonly reported by trauma survivors.)

Child sexual and physical abuse may not only produce PTSD in some, but may increase PTSD susceptibility in response to later, adult stressors (Briere, Woo, McRae, Foltz, & Sitzman, 1997, Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease). People who have experienced assaultive violence (interpersonal victimization) at home or in the community, have also been shown to be at very high PTSD risk (21%) (Breslau, et. al., 1998, Archives of General Psychiatry).

Comorbidity

The moderating effects of PTSD can significantly complicate any other co-occurring disorder including developmental disorders. Persons with PTSD are likely to have at least one other mental health disorder. Even in the most conservative studies, people with PTSD were two to four times more likely than those without PTSD to have almost any other psychiatric diagnosis (Kessler et. al., 1995). Somatization was found to be 90 times more likely in those with PTSD than in those without PTSD. This shows an important but frequently overlooked connection between PTSD and physical complaints.

Many people with PTSD turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to escape their symptoms. Clients who are dually diagnosed with substance abuse and PTSD may benefit from trauma treatment instead of or in addition to traditional model substance abuse programs.

The Cost of Trauma

Early outcome studies showed that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of trauma-related disorders are cost effective, especially when compared with the cost of incorrect or inadequate treatment occurring prior to a correct diagnosis (Loewenstein, 1994).

Ross and Dua (1993) studied women with trauma related dissociative disorders who were admitted to an inpatient service over four years. Prior to correct diagnosis, the patients had averaged 98.77 months in treatment. Following a correct diagnosis, they averaged 31.53 months in the system. Before diagnosis, about 2.8 million dollars (Canadian) had been spent on treatment for this group. If the 98.77 months prior to correct diagnosis were reduced to 12 months, the estimated savings would be $250,000 per patient.

In a study of rape victims, Koss et. al. (1990) found that severely victimized female members in an HMO had outpatient medical expenses double those of control HMO members.

Findings suggest that from 3.1 to 4.7 million crime victims received mental health treatment in 1991, for an estimated total cost of $8.3 to $9.7 billion (Cohen & Miller, 1994). These recipients represent only a small portion of trauma victims in need of treatment, since those with PTSD are typically reluctant to seek professional help.

Recent outcome data has largely focused on veteran populations. Fontana & Rosenheck (1997) found that short-term specialized programs to treat PTSD were more cost effective and beneficial than either long-term specialized units or non-specialized programs. Although this study does not address those who suffer with chronic PTSD from childhood trauma, it does demonstrate the efficacy of specialized treatment delivered in an accessible, cost effective manner.

Marginalized Populations

There has been increasing attention paid to PTSD resulting from high-profile "single blow" traumas, such as school shootings, transportation disasters, etc. But PTSD resulting from chronic trauma (such as experiencing or witnessing childhood abuse, domestic violence, and interpersonal victimization in the community) is not well known in the general population, among primary health care providers, or even among mental health care providers in many settings. Also, male survivors of abuse (perhaps the most marginalized subgroup of all) are frequently overlooked, even within the trauma-focussed survivor empowerment movements and specialized trauma treatment units.

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis and incorrect or inadequate treatment is not unusual for adults and children with PTSD. For example, refractory depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders, among others, often mask underlying but undiagnosed PTSD. Flashbacks and other dissociative episodes can frequently be mistaken for psychosis (especially schizophrenia), and unnecessary anti-psychotic medication can undermine treatment progress. Schools increasingly report disciplinary problems with no understanding that some children may be suffering from violence-related trauma disorders rather than ADHD or ADD. Consequently, they are improperly treated with Ritalin, while their real problems remain unaddressed.

Education

There is a dearth of treatment providers properly trained to recognize and treat PTSD, especially complex chronic types, and the topic is rarely addressed in universities and professional schools. Public education about PTSD is lacking as well, with lay people commonly associating PTSD with combat and little else.

Conclusion

These data clearly indicate the critical need for recognition of and appropriate treatment for survivors of traumatic experiences who develop traumatic stress-related mental health conditions. In addition to research and development of pharmaceutical and psychotherapeutic treatment approaches, successful intervention depends on a two-fold approach to education: in professional and treatment settings, as well as in the patient population and general public. Since primary care physicians and community mental health staffs are most likely to see people with PTSD, they must learn to ask about trauma exposure, recognize symptoms of PTSD, and refer patients appropriately. Educating professionals first is paramount to managing the influx of clients that will certainly follow public awareness programming. The Sidran Foundation is actively involved in a variety of trauma education initiatives.

References

Cohen, M.A. & Miller, T.R. (1994). Mental health care for crime victims. Nashville, TN: Vanderbilt University.

Davidson, J.R.T., Hughes, D., & Blazer, D. et. al. (1991) Posttraumatic stress disorder in the community: An epidemiological study. Psychological Medicine, 21, 713-721.

Fontana, A., & Rosenheck, R.A. (1997). Effectiveness and cost of the inpatient treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: Comparison of three models of treatment. American Journal of Psychiatry, 154, 758-765.

Ford, J.D. (1999). Disorders of extreme stress following war-zone military trauma: Associated features of posttraumatic stress disorder or comorbid but distinct syndromes? Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 67, 3-12.

Freidman, M.J. & Schnurr, P.P. (1995). The relationship between trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and physical health. In M.J. Freidman, D.S. Charney & A.Y. Deutch (Eds.), Neurobiological and clinical consequences of stress: From normal adaptation to post-traumatic stress disorder (pp. 507-524).

Helzer, J.E., Robins, L.N., & McEvoy, L. (1987) Posttraumatic stress disorder in the general population. New England Journal of Medicine, 317, 1630-1634.

Kessler, R.C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E. (1995). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the national comorbidity survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52, 1048-1060.

Kessler, R.C., Zhao, S., Katz, S.J., Kouzis, A.C., Frank, R.G., Edlund, M.J., & Leaf, P. (1999). Past-year use of outpatient services for psychiatric problems in the National Comorbidity Survey. American Journal of Psychiatry, 156, 115-123.

Leserman, J., Li, Z., Drossman, D.A., & Hu, Y.J.B. (199. Selected symptoms associated with sexual and physical abuse history among female patients with gastrointestinal disorders: The impact on subsequent health care visits. Psychological Medicine, 28, 417-425.

Loewenstein, R.J. (1994). Diagnosis, epidemiology, clinical course and cost effectiveness of treatment for dissociative disorders and MPD: Report submitted to the Clinton administration task force on health care financing reform. Dissociation, Vol. VII, No. 1, March 1994.

Ross, C.A. & Dua, V. (1993). Psychiatric health care costs of multiple personality disorder. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 47, 103-112.

Switzer, G.E., Dew, M.A., Thompson, K., Goycoolea, J.M., Derricott, T., & Mullins, S.D. (1999). Posttraumatic stress disorder and service utilization among urban mental health center clients. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 12, 25-39.

Walker, E.A., Unutzer, J., Rutter, C., Gelfand, A., Saunders, K., Vonkorff, M., Koss, M.P., & Katon, W. (1999). Costs of health care used by women HMO members with a history of childhood abuse and neglect. Archives of General Psychiatry, 56, 609-613.



Home - About Sidran - News from Sidran
Curricula and Training - Sidran Bookshelf
Articles on Trauma - Resources
TAMAR Project - Links - Contact Us


All information on these pages
? the Sidran Traumatic Stress Foundation, 1995-2000

www.sidran.org/trauma.html


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile Qoute
145thCAB

Registered to :Nov 21, 2001
Messages :23
From :Minnesota
Posted 03-12-2001 at 09:25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for the info. I've just spent the last half hour reading and have learned a lot already. There's a lot there and I've only just begun. Now I understand why my counselor at the Vet Center asks the questions that he does.

Thanks again.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile Qoute
arrow

Registered to :Aug 21, 2001
Messages :1033
From :
Posted 09-12-2001 at 23:16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
145th I am sorry I just now saw your post up here..I am glad the information is helping you..I know it has helped me understand that I am not alone. And just reading has helped me deal or at least accept things as they are..if you need to vent or just jump in down there on the Vietnam Forum and call in back up. God bless you brother. Don't give up.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile Qoute
145thCAB

Registered to :Nov 21, 2001
Messages :23
From :Minnesota
Posted 13-12-2001 at 13:17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks Arrow. I don't have full blown PTSD, but I do have some of the symptoms. We're trying to find out the source of the problem. I rarely have any problem during the day, but some of the nights are hell.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile Qoute
fnaWife2AFVV

Registered to :Sep 26, 2001
Messages :198
From :
Posted 16-12-2001 at 04:12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earlier I posted these in the homeless thread in the other forum, because PTSD came up in one of the replies. Obviously THIS thread is where I should have posted the info - doh.
Anyway, here's some additional ones:

PTSD links:

http://www.ncptsd.org/
National Center for PTSD

http://ptsd.factsforhealth.org/
PTSD info

http://www.ptsd.com/
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PTSD.Com offers free information about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, combat-related ptsd, Anxiety disorders, Dissociative Disorders, healing from traumatic stress, coping with nightmares, flashbacks, sleep disturbances, plus personal stories, alternative treatments & more.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(massive list of links, w/descriptions)

http://www.yourneighborhooddoctor.com/list-ptsd.htm
(regarding support lists)

http://www.mhsanctuary.com/ptsd/
PTSD Sanctuary, w/listserve

http://www.iboww.org/
International Brotherhood of Walking Wounded
[Quote
Come join us, we are the International Brotherhood Of Walking Wounded, dedicated to providing PTSD support and awareness through international missions for all combatants, non-combatants and their families. Not only from the Vietnam war, but all other conflicts as well.
Our missions help to broaden awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or P.T.S.D. Our site offers a PTSD chat room, a poem & stories gallery, and a chapel. There is a message forum for all veterans and/or families of veterans. Whether you are a combat veteran or not, you are not alone if you are experiencing flashbacks or night sweats, you also might be suffering from depression or be isolating from others. These are all symptoms of ptsd. We too are coping with PTSD and we are here to offer help to you and your family! [/quote]

http://www.support4hope.com/ptsd.htm
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(including "community", "health" and "legal info" sections)

m