Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

RTSD Post Traumatic Stress Note: PTSD has recently been changed to PTS by the Pentagon. CAUSES Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma such as a terrorist attack, an assualt, natural disasters, prison stay, or an unexpected death of a loved one. Rape and combat are the two events that are most likely to trigger PTSD. WAR 235,000 people 50% m 0 PTSD affects 1 in 7 of 1.64 million of Iraq = and Afghanistan veterans never sought help 25% Sought help but were inadequately treated NIGHTMARES SUPPRESIOL 75% FEAR E irritability emotionally numb insomnic outbursts of ANGER of veterans with PTSD still struggle with this anxiety disorder day after day hypergrousal MIND & BODY What Transcendental Meditation can do The Transcendental Meditation technique (TM) is a natural, effortless process practiced 15 - 20 minutes twice daily while sitting comfortably with eyes dosed. For most PTSD sufferers, the amygdala often takes When becoming centered one gives the power back over, sending the message of fear. Even though they to the prefrontal cortex, thus controlling the emo- are in a completly safe environment. tions rather than the emotions controlling the mind. PREFRONTAL CORTEX Memory of safety AMYGDALA Memory of fear The amygdala does not only transmit fight-or- When stress goes on and on, chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol will flight signals to the rest of the brain, but also to the whole body. eventually damage our health. HO Practicing Transcendental Meditation Stimulates the prefrontal cortex Lowers breath rate inducing relaxation Lowers blood pressure reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and prolongs life Transcendental Meditation for PTSD in Vietnam Veterans 10 veterans were given TM training 12 received conventional psychotherapy After 3 months. 111111 70% requested no further therapy All showed little improvement Effects of TM on Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans with PTSD Pilot Study with 5 Veterans 907 80- 70- 60- Quality of life 50- PTSD symptoms 40- Military PTSD symptoms 30- 20- Depression 10- Baseline Week 4 Week 8 References: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/ http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/posttraumaticstressdisorder.html http://www.tm.org http://www.operationwarriorwellness.org/ Copyright O 2011, Norman Rosenthal, MD. upsetting Smemories