PTSD: Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

This comprehensive course provides healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and skills for diagnosing and treating PTSD and trauma-related disorders. The course is divided into eight units, covering the full spectrum of PTSD, from history and diagnosis to treatment and care strategies for both patients and carers.

Unit 1: History of PTSD
This unit provides an in-depth historical perspective on PTSD, exploring how it has been recognized and treated over time. From the American Civil War to the Vietnam War, the unit outlines the evolution of understanding PTSD as a diagnosable mental health condition and discusses its official recognition in the DSM-III.

Unit 2: Diagnostic Criteria – DSM V
This unit introduces the diagnostic criteria for PTSD based on the DSM-V. Participants will learn how to identify the key symptoms, such as re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance behavior, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal, which must be present for more than a month to confirm a PTSD diagnosis​.

Unit 3: Diagnosis and Treatment
This unit focuses on the practical aspects of diagnosing PTSD in clinical settings, including the use of psychological assessments and physical exams to rule out other causes. The treatment approaches discussed include trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and pharmacotherapy.

Unit 4: Case Study
The case study in this unit provides a real-world example of PTSD in a 50-year-old war veteran. Participants will explore the challenges of treating chronic PTSD and the importance of a supportive care network involving both the patient and their carer​.

Unit 5: What the Future Might Bring
This unit explores emerging treatments for PTSD, including the potential role of medicinal cannabis and psychedelics. Participants will gain insights into the latest research and future possibilities for managing PTSD symptoms​.

Unit 6: PTSD Consumer Interview – Clare
This interview with a PTSD sufferer provides valuable insights into the patient’s perspective, detailing the struggles with daily life, treatment, and the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship with healthcare providers.

Unit 7: PTSD Carer Interview – Jody
In this unit, a carer shares her experiences supporting a loved one with PTSD. The unit emphasizes the need for carers to receive support themselves and offers guidance for healthcare professionals on how to involve carers in the treatment process​.

Unit 8: PTSD Carer Interview – Louise
This final unit provides another carer’s perspective, focusing on the emotional and psychological challenges of caring for someone with PTSD. It highlights the importance of maintaining personal boundaries and self-care for carers​.

This course offers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to PTSD care, making it ideal for practitioners seeking to improve their skills in managing trauma-related disorders.