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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a comprehensive and thoughtful examination of the nature, causes, and treatment of PTSD. Drawing on the vast experience of its team of authors, the book details the insidious nature and history of PTSD, from the internal and external factors that cause this form of suffering to the ways it manifests itself psychologically and socially. The most cutting-edge research on treatment, intervention, and prevention is thoroughly discussed, as are the spiritual and psychological strengths that can emerge when one progresses beyond the label of "disorder."
The book begins with a historical review of the topic. Subsequent chapters offer in-depth exploration of the significant foundations, function, impacts, and treatments associated with PTSD. Each chapter addresses practical issues, incorporating case studies that bring the information to life and ensure an appreciation of the myriad social, psychological, and biological experiences surrounding PTSD. This book answers complex questions like "How does PTSD manifest itself?" and more critically: "How can its effects be mitigated or overcome?" Finally, it discusses how PTSD survivors can move beyond post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic strengths.
The book begins with a historical review of the topic. Subsequent chapters offer in-depth exploration of the significant foundations, function, impacts, and treatments associated with PTSD. Each chapter addresses practical issues, incorporating case studies that bring the information to life and ensure an appreciation of the myriad social, psychological, and biological experiences surrounding PTSD. This book answers complex questions like "How does PTSD manifest itself?" and more critically: "How can its effects be mitigated or overcome?" Finally, it discusses how PTSD survivors can move beyond post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic strengths.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published March 9, 2012
About the author
Stanley Krippner
115 books39 followersDr. Stanley C. Krippner Ph.D. is an executive faculty member and Professor of Psychology at Saybrook University in Oakland, California. He was previously director of the Kent State University Child Study Center, and director of the Maimonides Medical Center Dream Research Laboratory in Brooklyn, New York. He has written extensively on altered states of consciousness, dream telepathy, and parapsychological subjects.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 3, 2015
Having a professional and personal interest in PTSD prompted me to pick up this book, and I’m glad I did. It is a thorough examination of the condition, pathways to treatment, and ultimately hope and strength arising from experiencing a tough situation.
“In truth, the bullies might be ‘equal-opportunity offenders,’ teasing anyone who is not dressed in ways that conform to the latest fashions. Some girls and boys will shrug off the remarks, knowing that the taunts are the product of immaturity and ignorance. But others will take the teasing behavior to heart, thinking about it constantly and internalizing it until it erupts in violent acting out, poor grades, prolonged school absence, or even suicide. In these cases, bullying becomes traumatizing, evoking a number of PTSD symptoms, some of which can have dire consequences” (32).
“These reactions from friends and family members often slowed down the PTSD survivor’s assimilation of the experience. Nobody was around to help these survivors accept these behaviors as being normal reactions to abnormal events. So not only was the original event traumatizing, but the personal and social reactions served to maintain the trauma” (74).
“So, for individuals with PTSD, the anxiety they experience sets up a strong likelihood for detachment, leading to a lack of intimacy and a disconnection from others and even from themselves” (75).
“When people endure a series of traumatizing experiences and develop PTSD, this disorder represents their best possible effort to recover. When a computer is badly damaged by viruses, a new one can be purchased to take its place. But human beings cannot make a substitution this easily; they need to find other means of recovery or live the rest of their lives in a restricted, diminished state of functioning. However, seeing PTSD as a normal and natural response to what we would consider an abnormal and unnatural situation lays the groundwork for the human psyche’s reconstruction through psychotherapy and counseling. It also downplays such worlds as ‘disorder’ and ‘mental illness’ that are applied to a condition that reminds us of the fragility of the human species” (89).
“A dramatic event is integrated into the memory bank gradually, not immediately. If the hippocampus, amygdala and other parts of the brain cannot successfully consolidate the horror, these events end up becoming traumatic experiences” (91).
“Also, PTSD has been found to alter neurotransmitter levels, and this leaves traumatized individuals with heightened levels of stress accompanied by increased cortisol levels. It may also lead to severe depression associated with a deficit of the mood-altering neurotransmitter serotonin” (93).
“The goals of these programs include fostering self-understanding and self-acceptance and learning how to change behaviors and beliefs that are harmful because they inhibit a person’s enjoyment of life” (103-104).
“By paying attention to present activities, one is less likely to dwell on past traumas. In addition, such martial arts as Aikido, Kung Fu, Jiu-Jitsu, Teikwondo, Angolan Capoeira, and Brazilian Capoeira can serve as a healthy outlet for feelings of anger and aggression as well as a means of engaging in group activities. Mainstream team sports such as basketball, football, and soccer can do the same” (124-125).
“Future forms of treatment need to address the issue of suicide among people with PTSD diagnoses. They need to incorporate friends, family members, and support groups in the treatment program. . . . Each of these initiatives will empower PTSD clients, helping them to trust themselves and others, and to work through the wounds their trauma has afflicted upon their souls” (135).
“Trauma sometimes leads to long-lasting personality change. Several forms of suffering incurred through traumatic experiences can bypass a person’s defenses, thereby opening the pathway to greater compassion and awakening receptivity to the suffering and injustices in the world” (138).
“The same can be said of individual trauma survivors; the determination and insight that can emerge through surviving a trauma may become a new capability for strength propelling a confidence in one’s capacity to survive future adversity” (142).
“The process itself – of questioning the meaning of one’s existence – offers the possibility of authentically coming to terms with life. However, before the deepest layers of meaning are made visible, there is usually a period of turmoil and tension that must be lived through and endured” (146).
“This newfound strength could take the form of resilience, compassion, courage, or any number of what positive psychologists call ‘virtues.’ Whatever it might be, this is the reward that has been earned, the completion of their journey. This prize may be honored by a small support group or by a large community. Nonetheless, it marks the end of one’s arduous voyage and the beginning of a new one” (148).
I do believe that the strength gained from undergoing a traumatic event can leave one with extraordinary power, and resiliency, but as Krippner writes, the ‘period of turmoil and tension’ is extremely challenging, especially if one is expected to get up, and go to work each day and deal with the public in an effective manner. However, I imagine that the ultimate result is worth all of the effort and sacrifice.
“In truth, the bullies might be ‘equal-opportunity offenders,’ teasing anyone who is not dressed in ways that conform to the latest fashions. Some girls and boys will shrug off the remarks, knowing that the taunts are the product of immaturity and ignorance. But others will take the teasing behavior to heart, thinking about it constantly and internalizing it until it erupts in violent acting out, poor grades, prolonged school absence, or even suicide. In these cases, bullying becomes traumatizing, evoking a number of PTSD symptoms, some of which can have dire consequences” (32).
“These reactions from friends and family members often slowed down the PTSD survivor’s assimilation of the experience. Nobody was around to help these survivors accept these behaviors as being normal reactions to abnormal events. So not only was the original event traumatizing, but the personal and social reactions served to maintain the trauma” (74).
“So, for individuals with PTSD, the anxiety they experience sets up a strong likelihood for detachment, leading to a lack of intimacy and a disconnection from others and even from themselves” (75).
“When people endure a series of traumatizing experiences and develop PTSD, this disorder represents their best possible effort to recover. When a computer is badly damaged by viruses, a new one can be purchased to take its place. But human beings cannot make a substitution this easily; they need to find other means of recovery or live the rest of their lives in a restricted, diminished state of functioning. However, seeing PTSD as a normal and natural response to what we would consider an abnormal and unnatural situation lays the groundwork for the human psyche’s reconstruction through psychotherapy and counseling. It also downplays such worlds as ‘disorder’ and ‘mental illness’ that are applied to a condition that reminds us of the fragility of the human species” (89).
“A dramatic event is integrated into the memory bank gradually, not immediately. If the hippocampus, amygdala and other parts of the brain cannot successfully consolidate the horror, these events end up becoming traumatic experiences” (91).
“Also, PTSD has been found to alter neurotransmitter levels, and this leaves traumatized individuals with heightened levels of stress accompanied by increased cortisol levels. It may also lead to severe depression associated with a deficit of the mood-altering neurotransmitter serotonin” (93).
“The goals of these programs include fostering self-understanding and self-acceptance and learning how to change behaviors and beliefs that are harmful because they inhibit a person’s enjoyment of life” (103-104).
“By paying attention to present activities, one is less likely to dwell on past traumas. In addition, such martial arts as Aikido, Kung Fu, Jiu-Jitsu, Teikwondo, Angolan Capoeira, and Brazilian Capoeira can serve as a healthy outlet for feelings of anger and aggression as well as a means of engaging in group activities. Mainstream team sports such as basketball, football, and soccer can do the same” (124-125).
“Future forms of treatment need to address the issue of suicide among people with PTSD diagnoses. They need to incorporate friends, family members, and support groups in the treatment program. . . . Each of these initiatives will empower PTSD clients, helping them to trust themselves and others, and to work through the wounds their trauma has afflicted upon their souls” (135).
“Trauma sometimes leads to long-lasting personality change. Several forms of suffering incurred through traumatic experiences can bypass a person’s defenses, thereby opening the pathway to greater compassion and awakening receptivity to the suffering and injustices in the world” (138).
“The same can be said of individual trauma survivors; the determination and insight that can emerge through surviving a trauma may become a new capability for strength propelling a confidence in one’s capacity to survive future adversity” (142).
“The process itself – of questioning the meaning of one’s existence – offers the possibility of authentically coming to terms with life. However, before the deepest layers of meaning are made visible, there is usually a period of turmoil and tension that must be lived through and endured” (146).
“This newfound strength could take the form of resilience, compassion, courage, or any number of what positive psychologists call ‘virtues.’ Whatever it might be, this is the reward that has been earned, the completion of their journey. This prize may be honored by a small support group or by a large community. Nonetheless, it marks the end of one’s arduous voyage and the beginning of a new one” (148).
I do believe that the strength gained from undergoing a traumatic event can leave one with extraordinary power, and resiliency, but as Krippner writes, the ‘period of turmoil and tension’ is extremely challenging, especially if one is expected to get up, and go to work each day and deal with the public in an effective manner. However, I imagine that the ultimate result is worth all of the effort and sacrifice.
May 27, 2015
Nothing amazing, but overall, a good clinical approach that answers a wide range of questions.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews