Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress

In the acute stages of a disaster, those with serious mental illness may function relatively well. Like the rest of the population, they often “rise to the occasion” to assist

The magnitude of death and destruction in this event require special measures to manage body recovery. Physical safety and security of body handlers takes priority over providing psychological counseling. Supervision

The workplace has been the primary target of terrorism in the United States. The events of 9/11, the anthrax attacks of 2001, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the 1993 World

This is the Annual Report for 2008.

Annual Report for the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (2009)

Available for immediate download is the 2010 Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) annual report.

Child Abuse Prevention Month is held each April to increase awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect. It also serves as a time to remember those who

In our current climate of multiple deployments, family separations, single parenting and reintegration challenges, it is reasonable to screen for problem drinking in the military community. Problem drinking is a

Patient adherence challenges health care providers and our healthcare system. Adherence encompasses a wide range of health behaviors related to routine preventative healthcare (e.g., annual mammogram, yearly physical, cholesterol check),

This Courage to Care focuses on the anxieties and concerns of families, especially children, of deployed soldiers. We draw upon the expertise of leaders in military medicine and family trauma

Deployments, family separations, single parenting, and reintegration stressors can make service members, their spouses, and even their adolescent children vulnerable to alcohol misuse, abuse, or dependence. Most people who drink

Not asking for help, or asking too late, can turn a manageable situation into something more serious.  For many people, ‘asking for help’ is not as easy as it sounds.

Professionals in healthcare and family support frequently encounter individuals who need, but do not know how to ask for help. When people have difficulty asking for help, manageable issues can

Coming together as a couple after war deployment isn’t always easy or something that happens naturally. It requires effort, and an understanding that each person has grown and changed during

If you are a military mom or dad, grandparent or caregiver, here are some important things you should know about the flu, and caring for children during the flu season.

Due to concerns around stigma and one’s career, primary care is often the setting of choice for service members and families to address mental health issues. Our nation’s war on

Major events such as Hurricane Katrina make us think about the impact of such disasters on our family and loved ones, and how prepared we would be. Whether we live

We hope this fact sheet, and the attached fact sheet for patients will enhance your communication with service members and their families during the flu season. Flu season is a

Military medical providers will play an important role this fall as the nation observes the 5th anniversary of 9/11, the anthrax attacks, and the War on Terror. Disaster anniversary events

There is increasing recognition that a patient’s lack of preparedness for self-care is most often due to lack of knowledge and understanding of the health care system — that is

This fact sheet contains useful information for you — parents and family caregivers — to help children cope during a parents’ deployment. Experts in military medicine and family trauma who

This fact sheet explains the emotional and psychological issues that reservists may experience transitioning from active duty into their former job or workplace. It is written for both the military

Women play a key role in encouraging men to seek help for health problems. It is often a wife or important female (girlfriend, mother, sister or aunt) who is the

The invisible injuries of service members resulting from our nation’s war on terrorism pose complex challenges for military families, especially military children. With injuries such as post traumatic stress disorder

Moving, one of the most stressful life events, can be especially difficult for families when service members are deploying or returning from deployment. Part of your checklist before and after

Gender roles and socialization may partially explain why help seeking patterns in men are historically lower than in women, especially related to emotional problems and depressive symptoms. Primary care providers

As a healthcare provider, first responder, leader or manager of disaster operations, this fact sheet describes an evidenced-based approach for helping victims cope in the immediate aftermath of a disaster

Public health emergencies, such as the swine flu epidemic, create a call to action for individuals and families to take responsibility for their health. The public is a key partner

Public health emergencies, such as those involving a potential global pandemic, create numerous opportunities and challenges around public health communication, preparedness, and response. Healthcare providers play a significant role in

Uniformed Services University applauds the educational efforts and programs our Department of Defense community is providing to assist troops and their families in the reintegration process post deployment. To enhance

In response to numerous inquiries from family and friends of loved ones returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) would like

This fall our nation observes the 5th anniversary of 9/11, the anthrax attacks, and the War on Terror. Service members and their families have played a vital role in our

While we often look to our doctors and our healthcare system to take care of us, we have a most important role in this process. Our doctors may provide advice:

Suicide has increased dramatically in the military since the start of the global war on terrorism. Family members and military leaders are all working together to address the needs of

Suicide of our military service members is the highest on record, rising for a fourth straight year and surpassing the suicide rate in the general population. In the Army, about

Importantly, moving can disrupt individual and family healthcare routines. Military families move around the nation and around the globe. While relocation is a part of military life and military tradition,

This installment of Courage to Care is designed to facilitate doctor-patient dialogue around the health implications of exposure to disasters, especially those that require the need for evacuation. The talking

The injuries of war change the lives of service members, families and children. Invisible injuries such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can be

Military Children are our nation’s children. Congratulations on the birth of your Military Child who enters a special community of caring and courage. These are traditions and values that belong

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become a topic of interest and concern amongst military families, especially those with loved ones previously or currently deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Among the

Depression is one of the most common and treatable mental disorders. Service members and their families experience unique emotional challenges. Deployment and redeployment, single parenting and long absences of loved

The doctor-patient relationship is the most important component of ongoing care. It is the basis of medical practice, sustaining care, providing comfort, relief of pain and the basis of the

A significant number of U.S. troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan have suffered from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) ranging from mild (mTBI) to moderate to severe. Estimates range from a

Testifying in court is often stressful for law enforcement officers. Trials occur months after an arrest and memories of the details fade with time. Leading or ambiguous questions posed by

Criminal trials are an integral part of the US criminal justice system. They involve multiple parties participating in many diverse roles. The goal at trial is to insure just outcomes

The magnitude of death and destruction in disasters and the extent of the response demand special attention. Physical safety and security of victims and relief workers must take first priority.

Our nation’s service men and women and their families have a proud tradition of understanding and responding to high-risk situations and environments. These situations en- compass war on foreign soil,

This year’s annual Artiss Symposium, “The Evaluation and Treatment of Genital Injuries in Combat Warriors,” was sponsored by the Department of Psychiatry at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is characterized by dissociative symptoms (e.g. detachment, derealization, or amnesia) during or after exposure to a traumatic event followed promptly by symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance/ numbing,

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance/numbing, and hyperarousal persisting more than one month after exposure to a traumatic event or events. While not the only

The Center’s Family Violence and Trauma Project (FVTP) recently published Family Violence Research, Assessment and Intervention: Looking Back, Looking Ahead. This book is a collection of interviews by renowned child

When battlefield injury occurs far from home, the road to recovery may be long and difficult to navigate. Even with the dedicated support of medical professionals, loved ones, military leadership,

A memorial service is an important step in the chain of events that occurs after a death. For many, it may be difficult because it brings reminders of the loss

In a world where we learn about traumatic events quickly and suddenly through television, social media, or newspaper coverage, many people can be suddenly and deeply affected by grief over

This document is written for leaders, health care providers, and disaster workers who assist local and national authorities following natural disasters, terrorist actions, or other events that result in large

Hazardous materials recovery teams can perform for long periods of time with the right support. Civilian and military personnel have long been expected to operate at an acceptable level of

This fact sheet includes some teachable and doable measures that can be communicated to families to help them stay informed and protect themselves. Good health practices can help reduce the

As a healthcare provider at the site of mass death you may be supervising a team of workers recovering bodies or you may be working directly with human remains. Working

This sheet is the Chinese translation from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress sheet on “Relief Workers Emotional Reactions to Human Bodies from Mass Death”.

In your work with this disaster you are likely to see, smell, and handle the dead bodies of men women and children of all ages. Working with or around human

Most reactions experienced by displaced individuals in the aftermath of disasters will be transient or respond to brief supportive interventions. However, primary care providers conducting initial assessments should remain vigilant

The earthquake, tsunami and ongoing radiation event at the nuclear power plant in Japan have resulted in significant human tragedy and distress. Over 10,000 people have died, hundreds of thousands

Featured Interview: “Educating Civilian Social Work Professionals about Military Culture and Care” Mary Ann Forgey, PhD Mary Ann Forgey, PhD, is an associate professor at Fordham University Graduate School of

Featured Interview: Child Emotional Neglect — The Failure to Nurture Howard Dubowitz, M.D. Howard Dubowitz, MD, is a Professor of Pediatrics and the Director of the Center for Families and

Featured Interview: “Using Standardized Clients for Problem Assessment” Lee Badger, MSW, PhD Lee W. Badger is the Nicholas J. Langenfeld Chair in Social Research at the Graduate School of Social

Featured Interview: “Conceptualization and Measurement of Child Neglect” Howard Dubowitz, MD Howard Dubowitz, MD, is Professor of Pediatrics and the Director of the Center for Families at the University of

Featured Interview: “Healthy Families, Healthy Communities” Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD Our featured interview is with Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, a noted neuroscience researcher and child advocate. His work

Featured Interview: “Domestic Violence and Alcohol Misuse An interview” Christopher Murphy, PhD Christopher Murphy, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He also directs the

Featured Interview: “Psychological Aggression and Psychological Abuse: is There a Difference?” K. Daniel O’Leary, PhD K. Daniel O’Leary is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training at

Featured Interview: Development of the Decision Tree Algorithm (DTA) and Validity of the Definitions Interview with Richard Heyman, PhD, and Amy Slep, PhD Conducted by James McCarroll, PhD This issue

When the magnitude of death and destruction from an event is severe, many different groups of workers are involved and often work in isolation from each other. Some will undergo

This document is a selection of excerpts from an excellent article about leadership in the wake of disaster, by Prudence Bushnell, the US Ambassador to Kenya in 1998. The author’s

The magnitude of death and destruction in this event require special measures for leaders to deal with their own stress. Leadership is paramount in maintaining organized, efficient work for continuity

The media are often the major means of communication about disasters. Accurate information about such events is critical for the public perception of what has transpired and likely next steps.

This is the Chinese translation for the  Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress “Media Management in Body Recover from Mass Death” resource.

It is only relatively recently that attention has been focused on the mental health impact of disasters. Previously, concerns related to immediate physical health and community infrastructure risks in the

Natural disasters are experienced as chaotic and filled with uncertainty. In preparing for and responding to natural disasters, law enforcement officers work with numerous other first responders and community components

Pandemic preparedness and response is a shared responsibility involving government (local, state and federal) and the private sector. A pandemic has the potential to be a catastrophic disaster of unprecedented

As the Global War on Terror continues, more service members will be exposed or re-exposed to combat experiences. This exposure will affect them as well as countless military spouses, children,

Movies depicting war, especially those that include live footage from recent or ongoing events, can be very powerful, but they can also evoke powerful memories. The public is at once

Movies such as the “The War Tapes” and the HBO special “Baghdad ER” have received critical acclaim for their moving portrayals of our servicemen and women. If you have a

Movies such as the “The War Tapes” and the HBO special “Baghdad ER” have received critical acclaim for their moving portrayals of our servicemen and women such as yourself. While

Combat injury is a life-changing event that impacts a service member, his or her children, as well as other family members and loved ones. Military children are our nation’s children,

Resource features the Five Principles of Psychological First Aid by Hobfoll et al translated to Japanese.

It is important to protect your health and the health of your family for risk of H1N1 influenza (referred to as “swine flu” early on). This virus is spreading from

An attack using radiation will create uncertainty, fear, and terror. Following the detonation of a Radiation Dispersal Device (RDD) the management of acute psychological and behavioral responses will be as

People often experience strong and unpleasant emotional and physical responses to disasters. Reactions may include combinations of confusion, fear, hopelessness, helplessness, sleeplessness, physical pain, anxiety, anger, grief, shock, aggressiveness, mistrustfulness,

This is the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress resource “Psychological First Aid” Chinese translation.

The CDC announces the creation of new suicide prevention products and tools, developed from federal and local partnerships. For youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the

Supervisors face particular challenges following any violent incident in the work setting. Even after the work area is secured, and victims or perpetrators are no longer present, emotional reactions and

Returning to work routines following any violent incident at the workplace can be very challenging. Even after the work area is secured, and victims or perpetrators are no longer present,

An important and often overlooked aspect of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is its impact on the families and children of the injured. TBI is unique because it often leads to

The impact of injury on intimacy is an often neglected aspect of healthcare and one that is especially important in caring for our nation’s service members and families. Many service

This fact sheet addresses key areas of patient concern around physical injury and intimacy, and recommends approaches for the improved care of our nation’s wounded warriors and their families. A

Your military loved one has been wounded and suddenly your world has been turned upside down. Combat injury is a life-changing event that impacts a family’s routines and its sense

Military families and children represent a heterogeneous population and live in geographically diverse settings: on military installations, in civilian urban and suburban communities, and in rural areas across the country.

An important and often forgotten aspect of TBI awareness is its impact on the children of the injured. TBI is unique because it often leads to changes in personality and

The injuries of war are life-changing events for service members and their families. One important area of change frequently not discussed is how physical injuries affect emotional and sexual relationships.

Reintegration is about more than coming home. It is about resuming and establishing relationships that provide pleasure, comfort and support. Intimacy — the capacity to enjoy closeness and sexual togetherness

Too often our children are exposed to violence that is both senseless and harmful. Many children, those living in close proximity to a tragic event, and those who will learn

Children are often exposed both directly and indirectly to violent events that occur in our nation’s communities. Many children may live in close proximity to a tragic event while others

Injury is a leading cause of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Preventing injury can prevent PTSD. Employers, supervisors, and providers (e.g., employee assistance program providers, primary care providers, mental health providers)

Complex disasters such as Hurricane Sandy present a cascade of impacts to those affected —individuals, families and communities. These disasters often promote feelings of fear, confusion, grief, helplessness, anxiety, anger,

Complex disasters such as the Oklahoma Tornado present a cascade of impacts to those affected —individuals, families and communities. These disasters, often involving loss of life, loss of property and

Law enforcement officers frequently work either the day shift or night shift for weeks at a time. If officers working nights keep the same sleep-wake patterns on days off as

This Forum on Health and National Security, directed to addressing stigma and barriers to care, brought together a diverse group of leaders in order to expand our horizons on these

This Forum on Health and National Security, directed to addressing stigma and barriers to care, brought together a diverse group of leaders in order to expand our horizons on these

The magnitude of death and destruction in this event require special attention to communicating with children and adolescents. Physical safety and security takes priority.  It is difficult to predict the

The magnitude of death and destruction in disasters and the often difficult nature of the medical response require special attention to the needs of health care providers. Supporting caregivers and

The magnitude of death and destruction in this event require special attention to communicating with children and adolescents. Physical safety and security always take priority.  School is an important normalizing

Continuing Medical Education series created through Uniformed Services University and RUSH Medical School collaboration.

Continuing Medical Education series created through Uniformed Services University and RUSH Medical School collaboration.

Continuing Medical Education series created through Uniformed Services University and RUSH Medical School collaboration.

Continuing Medical Education series created through Uniformed Services University and RUSH Medical School collaboration.

Continuing Medical Education series created through Uniformed Services University and RUSH Medical School collaboration.

Continuing Medical Education series created through Uniformed Services University and RUSH Medical School collaboration.

Children around the world are all too often exposed to violence that is both intentional and harmful. Numerous examples of such violence exist in the United States. School shootings have

Families and friends of returning service members often wonder what to expect after their loved one comes home from a combat zone. They may ask what is “typical” and when

The Workgroup’s primary objective, which was met, was to develop and disseminate a set of core Principles of Caring for Combat Injured Families and Children (see appendix). These principles would

Law enforcement officers fill many roles in the community. Often community members expect a great deal of law enforcement — perhaps more than can be done by any one person

Comprehensive workplace preparedness for terrorism must address and integrate the psychological and behavioral aspects of terrorism preparedness and response in order to address issues of human continuity. Recognizing the beliefs