Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
The Disorder, Its Diagnosis and Treatment

Jim Pastore, Tai Sophia Institute
Master of Acupuncture Student (September 06)
Clinical Sciences & Practice

ABSTRACT: Post–traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common, disabling psychiatric condition affecting those who have experienced highly-threatening traumatic events. Estimates suggest that 8-10% of the U.S. population will develop PTSD at some point in their lives. Ninety percent of the U.S. population is believed to have experienced trauma severe enough to produce PTSD, and, yet, approximately one-quarter of traumatized individuals are believed to suffer from PTSD. The reason some individuals succumb to PTSD and many others do not is the ongoing subject of research.

The signature symptom of PTSD is an uncontrollable re-experiencing of the traumatic event, such as a flashback experience, accompanied by feelings of intense fear, helplessness and horror. Evidence shows that individuals suffering from PTSD experience a wide range of comorbid conditions, which adds to the disabling nature of the disorder and restricts the effectiveness of treatment. The preferred treatment “package” combines cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication and anxiety management training. Evidence indicates that approximately one-third of individuals treated for PTSD continue to show weekly symptoms one year after the traumatic event. Unfortunately, the majority of those suffering from PTSD do not even seek treatment. This is due, in part, to the disorder’s symptomatic “avoidance” of unsettling situations, in part to the unavailability of treatment in many places, and, in part, to stigmas associated with seeking help for dealing with psychiatric disorders, particularly among certain heavily impacted populations, such as combat troops, women who have suffered physical attacks, and poor, low-income males.

Research continues to look at the epidemiology of the disorder, its biology and the relative effectiveness of different treatment types, including variations in psychotherapy, medications and acupuncture. One recent example is the question: Why have U.S. military personnel serving in the current fighting in Iraq shown a higher prevalence of PTSD than the rest of the general population, and even greater PTSD-prevalence than troops fighting in the concurrent conflict in Afghanistan?

Link to complete paper. (PDF, 100KB)