Psychotherapy With Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
Disorders resulting from trauma are significantly different from other psychiatric-mental health issues. Unlike disorders such as schizophrenia or major depressive disorder, trauma-related disorders do not occur randomly in the population. Instead, trauma is something that occurs as a result of the lived experience of a traumatic event. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2017), more than half of the population will experience a traumatic event during their lifetime. Although most people will recover from the trauma on their own, some require therapeutic interventions. While there are medications that can help individuals with trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the foundation of treatment continues to be psychotherapy.
This week, you explore psychotherapy for trauma by assessing a case presentation for clients presenting with posttraumatic stress disorder. You also examine therapies for treating these clients and consider potential outcomes.
Reference: National Institute of Mental Health. (2017). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd.shtml
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Explain the neurobiological basis for PTSD
Apply assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills to clients presenting with posttraumatic stress disorder
Recommend therapeutic approaches for treating clients presenting with posttraumatic stress disorder
Analyze the importance of using evidence-based psychotherapy treatments for clients with posttraumatic stress disorder
Learning Resources
Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/waldenu.edu?url=https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline
https://content.waldenu.edu/content/dam/laureate/laureate-academics/wal/ms-nurs/nrnp-6645/week-09/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf
https://content.waldenu.edu/content/dam/laureate/laureate-academics/wal/ms-nurs/nrnp-6645/week-09/Tye%20Preclinical%20Perspectives.pdf
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.
Chapter 3, “Assessment and Diagnosis” (Previously read in Week 2)
Chapter 7, “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy”
Chapter 11, “Trauma Resiliency Model Therapy”
Chapter 15, “Trauma-Informed Medication Management”
Chapter 17, “Stabilization for Trauma and Dissociation”
Chapter 18, “Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Complex Trauma”
Required Media (click to expand/reduce)
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/waldenu.edu?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/ptsd-and-veterans-a-conversation-with-dr-frank-ochberg
Assignment: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
It is estimated that more almost 7% of the U.S. population will experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017). This debilitating disorder often interferes with an individual’s ability to function in daily life. Common symptoms of anxiousness and depression frequently lead to behavioral issues, adolescent substance abuse issues, and even physical ailments. For this Assignment, you examine a PTSD video case study and consider how you might assess and treat clients presenting with PTSD.
