Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Course Overview

This Ausmed Course will increase the awareness and recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) whilst also promoting the resilience that individuals and families demonstrate to cope with a range of significant life challenges.

Topics

• What are normal and abnormal responses to trauma?
• Diagnostic classification of PTSD
• How does PTSD affect families and children?
• Cognitive, pharmacological, and alternative treatment options for PTSD

Need

Although traumatic and potentially life-threatening events such as natural disasters, conflict and severe accidents can be part of the human experience, for approximately 5 to 10% of the Australian population, responses to these traumatic events consist of significant emotional distress and subsequent impairment in a person’s ability to live a satisfying life. Other people may experience threats to life or safety through intentional violence, acts of terrorism and physical/sexual assaults, which also contribute to the experience of significant emotional disturbance and threats to the person’s emotional wellbeing. Trauma is felt not only by the person directly but also affects members of their family, often across multiple generations.

An awareness and ability to recognise the difference between normal and abnormal responses to traumatic events is imperative to facilitate early assessment and appropriate intervention to minimise long-term and harmful consequences.

Purpose

To provide current knowledge about post-traumatic stress disorder and its treatment, and how the experience impacts the emotional wellbeing of the person and their family.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder to initiate early interventions in order to prevent adverse consequences of this condition occurring for the individual.
• Link possible long-term behavioural and emotional consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder on family members in order to provide holistic care for all people affected.
• Use common treatment options available in order to assist people to manage symptoms of emotional distress associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Target Audience

Healthcare professionals who are caring for individuals and families who show signs and symptoms of emotional distress associated with trauma.

Disclosure

No conflict of interest exists for anyone in the position to control content for this activity. Wherever possible, generic or non-proprietary names of medications or products have been used.

Educator

Karen-Ann Clarke View profile

Dr Karen-Ann Clarke (PhD) is a registered nurse, specialising in mental health, and a lecturer in nursing at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She has been working in the field of education for over twenty years. Karen is passionate about the impact of emotional distress and mental health on individuals and families.