Post–Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies

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 ofPTSD, 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. 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

Introduction. Part I: The Basics of PTSD. Chapter 1. The Invisible Epidemic of PTSD. Chapter 2. Aftershock: When the Past Won′t Stay in the Past. Chapter 3. Spotting the Clues: Signs and Symptoms of PTSD. Chapter 4. First Response: Preventive Treatments for PTSD. Part II: Getting a Diagnosis and Drafting a Plan. Chapter 5. Getting Answers: Finding Out Whether You Have PTSD. Chapter 6. Building Your Treatment Team. Chapter 7. Setting the Stage for Recovery: The First Steps Toward Healing. Part III: Choosing the Right Treatment Approach. Chapter 8. Putting PTSD in Its Place with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Chapter 9. The Role of Medication in Treating PTSD. Chapter 10. Additional Paths to Wellness: Drawing on the Power of Mind and Body. Part IV: Healing and Rebuilding during and after Treatment. Chapter 11. The Journey Back: What to Expect. Chapter 12. Helping Yourself Heal Your Body, Mind , and Soul. Chapter 13. Caring for Your Loved Ones While They Care for You. Chapter 14. Getting Your Life Back on Track. Part V: Stepping In: When You′re Not the One Who′s Suffering. Chapter 15. Getting Help for a Child with PTSD. Chapter 16. Supporting a Loved One with PTSD. Part VI: The Part of Tens. Chapter 17. The Ten Most Common Myths about PTSD. Chapter 18. Ten Ways to Recognize that You′re Getting Better. Appendix: PTSD Resources. Index.

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.