Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is found to affect both combat and non-combat military personnel; from approximately 10 percent in those with no-combat experience, to as much as 80 percent in personnel who have experienced heavy combat (Fontana & Rosenheck, 2008). And while just 17 percent of combat troops are women; 71 percent were found to have PTSD due to sexual assault within the ranks. According to the National Center for PTSD (a VA supported organization), multiple studies suggest a 10–18 percent likelihood of PTSD following deployment for troops who served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Probabilities for PTSD were found to be even higher among Reservists and National Guard members (12-24 percent). Most concerning is the fact, that, the prevalence of PTSD does NOT diminish over time without proper treatment.The longer a veteran suffers from untreated PTSD, the greater the likelihood for higher degrees of pathology.
Watch this powerful video testimony from Sgt. Ben Bese (Ret.) and wife, Michelle, regarding their experience with KCM's course of treatment for military PTSD.
PTSD – What To Look For
Intrusion Symptoms:
Unwanted, distressing memories of the traumatic event(s)
Recurring trauma-related nightmares
Flashbacks – involuntary and vivid re-experiencing of the traumatic experience(s)
Intense emotional distress and/or noticeable physiological reactions to trauma reminders
Avoidance Symptoms:
Persistent avoidance of thoughts and memories related to the trauma
Persistent avoidance of external reminders of the trauma (e.g., the location at which the trauma occurred or people that remind you of the trauma)
Negative Alterations in Cognitions and Mood:
A complete lapse in memory of or a feeling of blacking out for parts of the trauma
Perpetual negative expectations of the world
Continuous, misattributed blame of self or others about the traumatic event
Persistent negative emotional state and/or the inability to experience positive emotions
Loss of interest or participation in significant activities or activities once interested in
Feelings of detachment from others, as well as feeling like others cannot relate or understand the trauma and emotional burden
Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity:
Easily irritable or angry
Reckless or self-destructive behavior (e.g., unprotected sex, reckless driving)
More alert
Easily startled
Problems with concentration
Difficulties sleeping, including falling asleep and/or staying asleep
Best Practices for Treatment
KCM utilizes a Christ-centered, Scripturally-rooted approach to treating PTSD that blends two of the highest rated, empirically proven techniques. The first being Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), comprised of two main components:
Imaginal exposures (repeated confrontation with the traumatic memories)
In vivo exposures (systematic confrontation with avoided trauma-related situations)
These components typically are coupled with processing of the imaginal exposure experience, education about common reactions to trauma, and anxiety management (i.e., controlled breathing, relaxation exercises, etc.). The second technique employed with KCM's treatment of PTSD involves Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which targets irrational thinking and cognitive distortions such as self-blame and/or feeling powerless against all danger. The four main components of CPT are:
Learning about PTSD symptoms
Becoming aware of thoughts and feelings
Learning skills to manage the thoughts and feelings
Understanding the changes in beliefs that occur because of the trauma.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Michael Mannia, D.Min. today @ 661.324.4070, ext. 301 or michael@kcmcounseling.com.
