Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies

by Goulston, Mark

• ISBN13: 9780470049228
• ISBN10: 0470049227
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-03-27
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

As Dr. Mark Goulston tells his patients who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), "The fact that you're still afraid doesn't mean you're in any danger. It just takes the will and the way for your heart and soul to accept what the logical part of your mind already knows." In Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies, Dr. Goulston helps you find the will and shows you the way.A traumatic event can turn your world upside down, but there is a path out of PTSD. This reassuring guide presents the latest on effective treatments that help you combat fear, stop stress in its tracks, and bring joy back into your life. You'll learn how to: Identify PTSD symptoms and get a diagnosis Understand PTSD and the nature of trauma Develop a PTSD treatment plan Choose the ideal therapist for you Decide whether cognitive behavior therapy is right for you Weight the pros and cons of PTSD medications Cope with flashbacks, nightmares, and disruptive thoughts Maximize your healing Manage your recovery, both during and after treatment Help a partner, child or other loved one triumph over PTSD Know when you're getting better Get your life back on trackWhether you're a trauma survivor with PTSD or the caregiver of a PTSD sufferer, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies, gives you the tools you need to win the battle against this disabling condition.

Author Biography

Mark Goulston, MD, an expert on PTSD, suicide prevention, and violence intervention, maintains a private clinical practice. He has taught or lectured at UCLA, USC, and Fortune 500 companies and has trained FBI and police hostage negotiators.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Basics of PTSD

The Invisible Epidemic of PTSD

Aftershock: When the Past Wona??t Stay in the Past

Spotting the Clues: Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

First Response: Preventive Treatments for PTSD

Getting a Diagnosis and Drafting a Plan

Getting Answers: Finding Out Whether You Have PTSD

Building Your Treatment Team

Setting the Stage for Recovery: The First Steps Toward Healing

Choosing the Right Treatment Approach

Putting PTSD in Its Place with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The Role of Medication in Treating PTSD

Additional Paths to Wellness: Drawing on the Power of Mind and Body

Healing and Rebuilding during and after Treatment

The Journey Back: What to Expect

Helping Yourself Heal Your Body, Mind, and Soul

Caring for Your Loved Ones While They Care for You

Getting Your Life Back on Track

Stepping In: When Youa??re Not the One Whoa??s Suffering

Getting Help for a Child with PTSD

Supporting a Loved One with PTSD

The Part of Tens

The Ten Most Common Myths about PTSD

Ten Ways to Recognize that Youa??re Getting Better

Appendix: PTSD Resources

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.