DGMC launches PTSD group

  • Published
  • By Dr. Frances Spickerman
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 60th Medical Operations Squadron's Mental Health clinic would like to announce the launch of a new group for managing and resolving Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms.

PTSD has been described by Department of Defense experts as a normal reaction to an abnormal situation.

Typically, the symptoms fall into three categories:

-- Experiencing the event again through nightmares and flashbacks
-- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma, such as staying away from environments with loud noises
-- Symptoms of anxiety, such as trouble sleeping or concentrating 

"Our troops deserve the very best in modern treatment for PTSD," said Col. (Dr.) Frank Budd, Mental Health flight commander. "Many techniques are available for healing PTSD responses."

According to Dr. Budd, these methods include cognitive restructuring (learning to process the trauma through healthy thinking), imagery and feeling-accessing techniques, response-extinguishing, for instance, when a person confronts disturbing memories in a protected environment until those memories lose much of their disturbing quality.

"Not all techniques work for every person, so treatment is designed with the individual in mind. Many people with PTSD just want help with the sleep problems and the nightmares, which is why they often go to their primary-care manager first," explained Dr. Budd.

"There is now medication specifically for those concerns that can quicken the return to health. We can work with their PCM or refer them to one of our psychiatrists. There is so much help available now, no one needs to feel isolated or stuck feeling the way they do," he added.

The PTSD group will contain no more than eight members. It can start with as few as three. Servicemembers usually find that any initial shyness that may accompany group discussion is outweighed by the support of other individuals who understand what they have endured, the sharing of each others coping skills, and the gentle balance of empathy and challenge that speeds recovery.

This group will be led by one or two credentialed Mental Health providers. Each prospective participant will receive a brief screening before placement in the group, to assure that this mode of treatment will best serve his or her needs. 

Those interested in the group may call the Mental Health clinic at 423-5163.