Understanding Combat Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

by Walter F. McDermott

Overview

This introduction to the invisible wound of war, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, explains the historical development of PTSD, its myriad symptoms and the most effective psychological and medical treatments. Combining the basic tenets of cognitive psychotherapy and his own military experience, the author explores such topics as PTSD's effects on families and spouses, fear and anxiety, memory difficulties, feelings of guilt or anger, depression and suicidal thoughts, and others.

Because it is a hidden, psychological wound, veterans afflicted with PTSD may find it difficult to understand their symptoms. Veterans and their families can better understand PTSD by reading this book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786469468
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	04/09/2012
Pages:	210
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Walter F. McDermott, Ph.D., a Vietnam combat veteran, is a retired clinical psychologist who treated combat PTSD veterans for nearly 30 years, mainly at the Jacksonville, Florida, Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic’s Mental Health Unit. He lives in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

Table of Contents

Preface 1

1 Introduction 3

2 History of Combat Disorders 7

3 Symptoms and Diagnosis of PTSD 10

4 Post Trauma PTSD Rates 12

5 Family Difficulties 16

6 The Veteran's Spouse 19

7 Psychotherapy 24

8 Cognitive Psychotherapy 33

9 Shattered Assumptions 39

10 Fear and Anxiety 48

11 Psychological Treatments of Fear 56

12 Memory Difficulties 67

13 Nightmares and Flashbacks 74

14 Social Avoidance 83

15 Guilt 94

16 Anger and Violence 105

17 Depression and Suicidal Thoughts 114

18 Low Self-Esteem 134

19 Substance Abuse 141

20 Medications 144

21 Experimental Treatments 152

22 Chronic Pain and PTSD 155

23 Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD 172

24 Special Combat Veteran Populations 179

Resources for the Combat Veteran 187

Notes 189

Bibliography 193

Index 199