Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (cont.)Medical Author:
Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD
Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MDDr. Roxanne Dryden-Edwards is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She is a former Chair of the Committee on Developmental Disabilities for the American Psychiatric Association, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and Medical Director of the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda, Maryland. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. In this Article
 How can people cope with PTSD?
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Some ways that are often suggested for PTSD patients to cope with this illness include learning more about the disorder as well as talking to friends, family, professionals, and PTSD survivors for support. Joining a support group may be helpful. Other tips include reducing stress by using relaxation techniques (for example, breathing exercises, positive imagery), actively participating in treatment as recommended by professionals, increasing positive lifestyle practices (for example, exercise, healthy eating, distracting oneself through keeping a healthy work schedule if employed, volunteering whether employed or not), and minimizing negative lifestyle practices like substance abuse, social isolation, working to excess, and self-destructive or suicidal behaviors. Where can people get help for PTSD?
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Air Force Palace HART
American Love and Appreciation Fund (for veterans)
Army Wounded Warrior Program
DHSD Deployment Helpline
Marine for Life
Military One Source
Military Severely Injured Center
National Coalition Against Sexual Assault
National Alliance for Mentally Ill
National Mental Health Association
Navy Safe Harbor
Operation Comfort (for veterans and their families)
PTSD Information Hotline
PTSD Sanctuary
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network The future As the use of the Internet continues to expand, so will Internet psychiatry. This is particularly true given that it may be quite useful in specifically providing access to psychotherapy for individuals with PTSD. Other areas that researchers are targeting to improve recovery for PTSD sufferers include expanding research on EMDR, studying how PTSD can be more specifically treated in various ethnic groups, and discovering how to best prevent people from developing the illness. For military personnel, the more access to care that can be made available and the more comfortable active duty and veteran military men and women can be made to seek those services, the better the outcome that can be expected for service individuals with PTSD. Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Effective Treatments
Question: What kinds of treatments have been effective for your posttraumatic stress disorder?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Causes
Question: What was the cause of PTSD in you or someone you know?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Getting Help
Question: What group or organization has helped you or a loved one cope with PTSD?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Symptoms
Question: What symptoms did you experience with posttraumatic stress disorder?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Coping
Question: How do you cope with PTSD? What would you recommend to someone who is facing the challenges associated with PTSD?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Diagnosis and Assessment
Question: What types of tests or exams helped assess and later diagnose your PTSD?
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