New Tools to Enhance Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment

The number of cases of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affecting both combat veterans and survivors of armed conflict has increased in recent years. Exposure to traumatic events can cause PTSD, and the serious consequences of this disorder can often lead to impulsive and destructive behaviors such as drug abuse and uncontrollable anger. Combat related PTSD is also one of the strongest contributing factors to the high suicide risk in returning troops. This book presents the collected papers from the 2012 NATO Advanced Study Institute (ASI): Invisible Wounds – New Tools to Enhance PTSD Diagnosis and Treatment (IW2012), held in Ankara, Turkey, in June 2012. This ASI was attended by 56 scientists and representatives from NATO and Partner countries, and expert contributors from nine different countries were invited to take part in the workshop. The aim of the ASI was to equip participants with an in-depth knowledge of the latest theoretical advances in neuroscience, psychotherapy and pharmacology, and thereby to assist them in the task of assessment, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of PTSD and related co-morbid disorders. The book is divided into four sections: a review of the latest science related to theoretical constructs and associated neurosciences; screening; stress inoculation training; and co-morbid issues: considering the whole person in treatment. This book will provide a valuable resource for all those whose work involves dealing with post traumatic stress disorder.