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Literature Review

Is individualized treatment planning the most effective approach when treating PTSD? This

question is very real and relevant in my life. I work in a treatment center and would love to research the

best methods for treating issues like PTSD. A lot of times treatments seem to be medication based, which

have proven to be effective; however, there are situations where people may want other effective

alternatives. Serving the population, I work with, is very important to me; also, learning to best care for

my son without medication is one of my main goals. My son was involved in an ATV accident which

resulted in the loss of his paternal grandfather. They were riding on the same four-wheeler, which

overturned, pinning his grandfather underneath. My son was not able to lift the four-wheeler, he ran a

mile out of the woods to go phone for help. Once the paramedics arrived, it was too late. He has been

successful with grief counseling and while working through the survivor’s guilt, he has also presented

with symptoms of PTSD. I have so much gratitude and appreciation for his counselor; yet, as a mother, I

want to be able to help and support him the best way I can.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is defined as a stress and trauma-linked disorder resulting

from exposure to traumatic situations such as horror, helplessness, violence and fear. Direct exposure to

trauma, witnessing a traumatic event, learning about traumatic events experienced by a family member or

loved one can create symptoms. Reichenberg, & Seligman, (2016) stated, intrusive symptoms include—

negative changes in mood, lack of interest/pleasure in usual activities, detachment, hypervigilance, sleep

disturbances, and psychological distress. Sexual assault survivors and veterans display the highest rates

of PTSD.

Piotrowski & Range (2017) focuses on providing detailed information regarding Post-Traumatic

Stress Disorder (PTSD) including a definition of the condition, causes, symptoms, duration and available

treatments. PTSD is stress and trauma-linked disorder resulting from exposure to threaten or actual sexual
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violence, death or serious injury; it is characterized by insistent problems that impede an individual’s

capacity to work, interact socially and also affects other areas of functioning. There are many treatment

options available for patients suffering from PTSD. The research studies have proven facts and statistics

from studies showing the effectiveness of different treatment options.

The causes of PTSD as noted in the article may be either direct or indirect exposure to threaten or

actual traumatic events. Pertinent symptoms include recurrent intrusive and involuntary thoughts about

the traumatic event, prolonged psychological distress, flashbacks of the traumatic occurrence, serious

psychological distress when exposed to reminders of the event in question, recurrent nightmares,

difficulty sleeping, anger outbursts, recklessness, reduced interest in activities, detachment from other

people, lack of concentration, excessive startle response and aggression. Treatment solutions, according

to the article include group therapy, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants and individual therapy .

Thorne, Devlin & Dingess (2017) examined the implications the use of service dogs by veterans

with PTSD will have on workplace success. The study was developed because PTSD is one of the most

prevalent conditions among the veteran community given that twenty percent of those who operated in

Iraq have been diagnosed with the disorder. According to the study, service dogs can perform tasks that

would otherwise trigger PTSD symptoms among their veteran handlers; this is then likely to aid in a

smooth transition from military to civilian life. The service dog aid, according to the study, is also likely

to support the veterans as hey transition from military life to living with PTSD. All the pertinent

intervention measures intend to foster a supportive and friendly work environment for veterans.

The study considers the relationship between PTSD and employment in the United States. In this

regard, nineteen thousand people, accounting for eight percent of the 2014 United States civilian

population, were United States military veterans. Twenty three percent of the groups were diagnosed with

military service-related disabilities; PTSD was the most prevalent of the noted disorders. The study notes

data from the National Institute of Health showing that about thirty one percent, eleven percent and

twenty percent of Vietnam War, Afghanistan and Iraqi War Veterans suffered from PTSD respectively.
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Therefore, the primary objective of the study is to assess PTSD impact on workplace success and evaluate

effectiveness of using service dogs to solve pertinent difficulties experienced by veterans with PTSD.

In Addition to PTSD, Thorne, Devlin & Dingess (2017) also note the attitude of workmates

towards people with PTSD determines workplace success to a significant extent. The method of study is

constituted by a review of existing empirical research noting the benefits of using service dogs at the

workplace. For instance, service dogs give their handlers a perceived sense of security and relief making

them comfortable at the workplace. The dogs also enhance affected individual’s ability to engage in

various activities and interact with fellow workers in spite of the disorder. Therefore, service dog’s,

according to the study’s findings; improve emotional stability among veterans with PTSD by providing a

feeling of security, responsibility, companionship, self-esteem, positive mood and well-being among

others.

Libby et al., (2012) examines yoga therapy and states, yoga may provide an effective integrative

treatment option for veterans with PTSD. Yoga practices may directly address symptoms of PTSD and

may provide coping skills to decrease their negative impact on quality of life. The present-focused

breathing and concentration used in many yoga traditions may reduce worry and anxiety and decrease

fears involving people and events out of an individual’s control. The cultivation of acceptance and

nonjudgment may directly address avoidance behaviors, and modulation of the breath may directly

ameliorate hyperarousal. In addition, yoga asana may help release trauma that has been physically

instantiated in the body, which may facilitate behavioral activation through regulation of interoceptive

and sensorimotor neural pathways. A number of studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of yoga

practices on the regulation of the autonomic nervous system.

Alexander (2012) discusses selective serotine reuptake (SSRIs) and Paroxetine are the two FDA’s

approved medications for treating PTSD. SSRIs and Paroxetine, better known by their brand names,

Zoloft and Paxil, are antidepressants used to help treat depression and anxiety. Opponents of

pharmacotherapy declare the medications are not useful for individuals whose PTSD is the result of
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combat-related trauma. Although SSRIs are associated with an overall response rate of approximately

60% in patients with PTSD, only 20% to 30% of patients achieve complete remission. Despite these

results, advocates claim that SSRIs are the most effective in treating people who developed PTSD due to

any other reason.

In conclusion, there have been many research studies conducted on patients with PTSD to adjust

treatment plans and improve quality of life. As you can see, there are several options for treatment

regarding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My essay will prove, there is no “cookie-cutter”

approach, it is very important to formulate individualized treatment plans for patients with PTSD.
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Work Cited

Alexander, W. (2012). Pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in combat veterans. US

National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3278188/

Libby, Daniel J., et al. “The Use of Yoga in Specialized VA PTSD Treatment Programs.” International

Journal of Yoga Therapy, vol. 22, Oct. 2012, pp. 79–88.

Piotrowski, N. P., & Range, L. P. (2017). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Magill’S Medical Guide (Online

Edition).

Reichenberg, L. & Seligman, L. (2016). Selecting Effective Treatments; A Comprehensive, Systematic

Thorne, K. L., Devlin, E. "., &Dingess, K. M. (2017). SERVICE DOGS for VETERANS with PTSD:

Implications for Workplace Success. Career Planning & Adult Development Journal, 33(2), 36-

48.
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