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Promising treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder sleep disturbances
April 19, 2007For sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), sleep disturbances are among the most treatment-resistant symptoms and can lead to drug and alcohol abuse and even suicide. Previously, there has been little success in treating these sleep disorders with psychopharmacologic approaches. In a study in the April 15th issue of Biological Psychiatry, researchers have found that an inexpensive, widely available drug was successful in reducing symptoms in chronic PTSD patients.
In a placebo-controlled, blinded study of 40 veterans of the Vietnam War (32 subjects), World War II (2), the Korean War (3), the Panama invasion (1) and the first Gulf War (2), prazosin was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing trauma nightmares, improving sleep quality and improving the general clinical condition of the treated patients.
Improvements in all three measures were observed, with 71% of the subjects receiving prazosin having "moderately or markedly improved" CGIC scores at the end of the study, compared to 12% of those receiving placebo.
Writing in the article, Murray A. Raskind, MD, states, "These results support the therapeutic use of prazosin for PTSD in combat veterans who present with trauma nightmares and sleep disturbance. Clinical experience suggests that prazosin also is beneficial for PTSD trauma nightmares and sleep disturbance in young civilian trauma victims, young veterans of the current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan and in elderly World War II and Korean War combat veterans and Holocaust survivors."
Elsevier Health Sciences
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Current Events and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder News RSSNew UAB Study Sheds Light on Brain's Response to Distress, Unexpected Events
In a new study, psychologists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) are able to see in detail for the first time how various regions of the human brain respond when people experience an unexpected or traumatic event.
Psychiatric impact of torture could be amplified by head injury
Depression and other emotional symptoms in survivors of torture and other traumatic experiences may be exacerbated by the effects of head injuries, according to a study from the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT), based in the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Department of Psychiatry.
Use of cannabinoids (marijuana) could help post-traumatic stress disorder patients
Use of cannabinoids (marijuana) could assist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder patients. This is exposed in a new study carried out at the Learning and Memory Lab in the University of Haifa's Department of Psychology.
MU Researchers Use Computational Models to Study Fear
The brain is a complex system made of billions of neurons and thousands of connections that relate to every human feeling, including one of the strongest emotions, fear.
Researchers unravel mystery behind long-lasting memories
A new study by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine may reveal how long-lasting memories form in the brain.
PTSD associated with higher Alzheimer's/dementia risk; moderate alcohol consumption may lower it
Though discoveries about Alzheimer's disease risk factors are often in the news, adults do not know about the relationship between Alzheimer's disease risk and heart health, nor that physical activity can be protective against dementia.
Neuroscience research could benefit US Army, yet challenge traditional approaches
Advances in neuroscience research could benefit the Army, particularly in areas of soldier training and education. However, an emerging trend of using individual variability in neural processes such as cognition, stress response, and decision making to improve group performance is likely to challenge conventional approaches to training and educating soldiers.
Witnessing violence affects kids' health
School-aged children who witness violence in urban communities show symptoms of post-traumatic stress. They also suffer physiological effects with a disruption to their normal cortisol production pattern during the day, which may have long-term negative effects on their health.
Controlling our brain's perception of emotional events
Research performed by Nicole Lauzon and Dr. Steven Laviolette of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario has found key processes in the brain that control the emotional significance of our experiences and how we form memories of them.
Researchers reveal how the brain processes important information
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have shed light on how the neurotransmitter dopamine helps brain cells process important information.
More Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Current Events and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder News Articles
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The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook: A Guide to Healing, Recovery, and Growth by Glenn Schiraldi (Author) The Definitive Resource for Trauma Survivors, Their Loved Ones, and Helpers Trauma can take many forms, from witnessing a violent crime or surviving a natural disaster to living with the effects of abuse, rape, combat, or alcoholism. Deep emotional wounds may seem like they will never heal. However, with The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook, Dr. Glenn Schiraldi offers a remarkable range of treatment alternatives and self-management techniques, showing survivors that the other side of pain is recovery and growth. Live your life more fully-without fear, pain, depression, or self-doubt Identify emotional triggers-and protect yourself from further harm Understand the link between PTSD and addiction-and how to break it Find the best treatments and... |
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Conquering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Newest Techniques for Overcoming Symptoms, Regaining Hope, and Getting Your Life Back by Victoria Lemle Beckner (Author), John B. Arden (Author) More than 13 million Americans experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and one out of 13 adults will develop it in their lifetime. Recent worldwide crises and events including the Iraq war; the September 11th attacks; numerous Columbine-like events; the Catholic Church child molestation scandal; and the Katrina tragedy in New Orleans, continue to present thousands more PTSD cases each year in all age groups. This book helps victims make sense of the events that led to their illness and teaches them how to create a new reality with specific advice and action plans that put them on the road to recovery and long-term healing. |
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies (For Dummies (Psychology & Self Help)) by Mark Goulston (Author) 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... |
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War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by Edward Tick (Author) This book teaches how truly to heal war trauma in veterans, their families, and our communities. Drawing on history, mythology, and soldiers' stories from World War I to Iraq, it affirms the deep damage war does to the psyche and addresses how to reclaim the soul from war's hell. |
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The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms by Mary Beth Williams (Author), Soili Poijula (Author) Post-traumatic stress disorder is an extremely debilitating condition that can occur after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal. In The PTSD Workbook, readers determine the type of trauma they experienced, identify their physical, mental, and emotional symptoms, and learn effective techniques and interventions to overcome them. They start with the exercise best suited to relieve their worst symptom then progress to less troubling symptoms, picking up key information about PTSD along the way. |
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ABC News Nightline Invisible Casualties: Three Part Series |
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The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship: How to Support Your Partner and Keep Your Relationship Healthy by Diane England (Author) War, physical and sexual abuse, and natural disasters. All crises have one thing in common: Victims often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their loved ones suffer right along with them. In this book, couples will learn how to have a healthy relationship, in spite of a stressful and debilitating disorder. They’ll learn how to:Deal with emotions regarding their partner’s PTSD Talk about the traumatic event(s)Communicate about the effects of PTSD to their childrenHandle sexual relations when a PTSD partner has suffered a traumatic sexual eventHelp their partner cope with everyday life issues When someone has gone through a traumatic event in his or her life, he or she needs a partner more than ever. This is the complete guide to keeping the relationship strong and... |
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Coping With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Guide for Families by Cheryl A. Roberts (Author) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a medically recognized disorder that develops as a result of a traumatic event; as a result of PTSD, an individual may suffer nightmares and flashbacks and become hypervigilant, angry, or emotionally numb. This work describes PTSD: causes, symptoms, effects, and coping strategies. While there is no "cure," individuals and their loved ones can find healthy ways to cope, and it is important to recognize the strengths that arise in both individuals and families as a result of living with the disorder. This handbook describes how the characteristics of PTSD manifest in daily life and details its effects on the emotional, mental, and physical aspects of an individual’s life, including disorders and physical disabilities that may occur jointly or as... |
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Post-traumatic and Acute Stress Disorders: The Latest Assessment and Treatment Strategies by Matthew J. Friedman (Author) Approximately half of all men and women will be exposed to a traumatic event, such as: assault, terrorism, military combat, car accident, domestic violence, or natural disaster. Of those exposed, eight percent of Americans and 20-30 percent of people elsewhere will develop trauma-related symptoms that impair day-to-day functioning. Who is at risk, and what is the likelihood of recovery? How does PTSD differ from other acute stress disorders? Get answers from the expert, plus: Targeted case studies Assessment and treatment guidelines for children and adolescents as well as adults Information on over 38 assessment tools 8 cognitive behavioral therapies and eye movement desensitization Comparative table of PTSD medication dosages, indications, and contraindications ... |
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Healing from Post-Traumatic Stress by Monique Lang (Author) An effective, life-affirming guide to help you get through your traumatic experience Written by an experienced psychotherapist who has helped hundreds of trauma victims in her private practice, workshops, and lectures, this unique, progressive approach to healing is designed to help you cope with the aftermath of a stressful event. An informative guide with a user-friendly format, this workbook invites you to participate in the process of your recovery, using simple anxiety-reducing exercises, revealing questions, yoga and meditation tools, art therapy, writing, and other therapeutic techniques. |
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