Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies - (For Dummies) by Mark Goulston (Paperback)

About the Book

A plain-English resource for people suffering from the aftereffects of a traumatic experience. An estimated five percent of Americans--over 13 million people--suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at any given time, and approximately eight percent will develop it at some time in their lives. With recent traumatic events such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina as well as the ongoing war in Iraq, the incidence of PTSD is on the rise. Written for PTSD sufferers and their loved ones, this practical, unintimidating guide gives people the lowdown on symptoms, details today's various treatment options, offers practical coping strategies for day-to-day life, and even shows how to help children with PTSD.--From publisher description.

Book Synopsis

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 track

Whether 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.

From the Back Cover

Cope with flashbacks, nightmares, and disruptive thoughts

Help your heart accept what your mind already knows
-- and overcome PTSD

A traumatic event can turn your world upside down -- but just because you're still afraid doesn't mean you're still in danger. There is a path out of PTSD, and this reassuring guide presents the latest on effective treatments that help to combat fear, stop stress in its tracks, and bring joy back to life.

Discover how to:

• Identify PTSD symptoms and get a diagnosis
• Choose the ideal therapist for you
• Weigh the pros and cons of medications
• Maximize your healing
• Help a partner, child, or other loved one triumph over PTSD

About the Author

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.