PTSD

The iconic scene when George C. Scott slaps the soldier with PTSD in Patton and calls him a “yellow-bellied coward” mirrors the historic and continued ambivalence of the military toward the psychological wounds of war.

“Even after the Pittsburgh shootings, our ability to empathize suggests otherwise,” writes Ronald W. Pies, MD, in a commentary regarding the nature and origin of hatred.

What is a common reason individuals cite for using complementary and integrative health approaches? Take the quiz.

The mental health challenges that arose in Vietnam over the course of the war were in many respects both prodigious and unprecedented. An estimated 200 psychiatrists, including two women, served in Vietnam with the Army, Navy, and Air Force between 1964 and 1973.

This collection brings together topics on trauma and stress that are neglected in the current literature.

Which medications have consistently replicated randomized placebo-controlled trial evidence of efficacy in treating symptoms that are unresponsive to sertraline or paroxetine? Take the quiz and learn more.

Two evidence-based psychosocial treatments are available for trauma-based nightmares. The authors provide a case illustration for each method.

Given the severe burden, grave suffering, and lack of remission with standard therapeutics in many patients with PTSD, preliminary data on the role of ECT seems promising.

Trauma may be a hidden variable in the lives of older adults, impacting them in ways they may not recognize or be willing to admit.

This Special Report on stress and trauma brings together five topics that are neglected in the current literature.

ART can be used in conjunction with other trauma-focused therapies. This article discusses the clinical utility of ART, as well as the research behind it.

Although efficacious treatments for PTSD have been established, many individuals remain symptomatic after treatment or never seek empirically supported therapies. This is where complementary and alternative medicine comes in.

In addition to psychosocial problems, there is a growing realization that PTSD may also lead to or exacerbate chronic medical health conditions.

This article summarizes literature on post-disaster mental health and describes the public health crisis in Puerto Rico. Special attention is given to highlight higher suicide rates and PTSD that develop in post-disaster areas.

PTSD in late life can result from trauma that occurred much earlier or can follow traumatic events that occurred for the first time in old age.

The author addresses some of the complexities in assessing and managing treatment-resistant PTSD.

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and combinations thereof. Expert guidance here.

The PBS series on the Vietnam war has evoked a flood of memories, and reminds me how far we’ve come in our understanding of PTSD- and how far we still have to go.

Recent events in Charlottesville are poignant reminders that the wounds caused by bigotry and racism leave a deep imprint on our spirit, bodies, and psyche.

Three new studies show exercise can improve cognitive function, psychotropics for PTSD may raise dementia risk, and 3 biomarkers can help predict cognitive decline in elderly persons.

The human-animal relationship can provide insight into the patient’s ability to connect, to interact, and to show care and empathy. Plus, companion animals tend not to breach confidentiality.

Here's a close look at the psychological toll of years of trauma among Syrian refugees.

The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) program: how it evolved, clinical applications, and goals.

Strategies to reduce aggression in psychiatric treatment settings.

The Psychiatric Transition Program at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego is a specialized first-episode psychosis program that provides coordinated specialty care to active-duty service members with serious mental illness.

Here's an overview of motivation for assaults by chronically aggressive inpatients and steps to de-escalate.

There is no predictive tool that is likely to have validity for rare outcomes such as terrorist attacks. More here.

A brief overview of the many trials that have asked this weighty question.

American psychiatry is on the cusp of recognizing and tackling both physician burnout and climate change.

Are mind-body treatments really effective in treating PTSD? Find out in this quiz.