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Gift From Within - Questions & Answers with Frank Ochberg on PTSD

	PTSD: How common, who gets PTSD? Does PTSD Affect the Brain? Duration Emotional Abuse Childhood Trauma & Intrusive Images Revisiting the scene of trauma and abuse Pregnancy PTSD Symptoms: Anger Flashbacks Loneliness Feelings of Loss and sense of self Anxiety Numbing Re-traumatization Depression Memory Loss Relationships: Helping friends Explaining PTSD to Children Workplace Issues False Memory Toxic Family of Origin PTSD may complicate relationships Inadequate Therapy Recovery: Triggers Rebuilding Self Esteem Life After Trauma Coping During the Holidays Substance Abuse Improving a damaged self-concept. Veterans & PTSD: PTSD A Disease Seasonal PTSD & Anniversary Reaction. Emotional Injury Professionals: Compassion Fatigue Consequences of Emotional Numbing School Teachers and PTSD Other Conditions: Borderline Personality Disorder Social Phobia Complex PTSD Dissociation
		Questions & Answers with Joyce Boaz & Dr. Frank Ochberg Read "Survivor Psalm" by Frank Ochberg
				Emotional Abuse. Q: Dear Dr. Figley, Thank you for being a guest clinician. One of our support pals said that her PTSD is the result of emotional abuse from significant others. She has low self esteem. She says she feels "locked into behaviors, relationships and interactions that are dysfunctional and that on a subconscious level, she relates to others by being too helpful and too caring." Then she feels that this leads her to feeling used. Any suggestions on how she can change old patterns and learn new and better ways of coping with her mood disorder? What are your thoughts about cognitive behavioral therapy as it relates to severe trauma? A: Dear Joyce, Thanks for asking! First, I am sorry that she is suffering as a direct result of emotional abuse. The low self esteem is certainly understandable if you feel you are trapped by the cycle described in the question. Replacing these with new patterns to better cope may be very difficult if you have been diagnosed with a Bipolar Mood Disorder without medication. There is an excellent questionnaire on line that will help you decide if you need to see a physician for this problem. It is at http://www.bipolar.com/mdq.htm. However, if you believe you are at times moody because of your PTSD and poor coping, psychotherapy can be helpful in more effectively managing your PTSD symptoms and self-defeating behaviors. I would highly recommend, however, that you get a thorough evaluation from a competent psychiatrist or psychologist trained in psychometric evaluations. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for treating PTSD. However, if you find that it is too overwhelming for you, don't hesitate to tell your therapist. Frequently clients report that CBT is too powerful because the exposure to the past traumas cause more harm than good. The exposure can be adjusted to meet the special circumstances of the client or another treatment approach can be used. Establishing and maintaining a good and trusting working relationship with your therapist is a key ingredient for any successful trauma therapy. Charles Figley is a highly published university professor in the fields of psychology, family studies, social work, traumatology, and mental health. He is the Florida State University Traumatology Institute Director. He is also a full professor at the Florida State University College of Social Work. Dr. Figley is a member of Gift From Within's Professional Advisory Board.
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