PTSD Alliance Offers Free Educational Resources

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PTSD Alliance Offers Free Educational Resources
Library: MED
Keywords: PTSD ALLIANCE RESOURCES
Description: As an ongoing public service, the PTSD Alliance is offering free information packets and other resources to the general public and frontline professionals through its resource center.



PTSD Alliance Offers Free Educational Resources

New York City (August 15, 2002) -- As an ongoing public service, the PTSD Alliance is offering free information packets and other resources to the general public and frontline professionals through its resource center, toll-free 1-877-507-PTSD and website http://www.PTSDAlliance.org.

Launched in 2000, the PTSD Alliance is a group of the nation's leading professional and advocacy organizations representing healthcare issues related to PTSD including trauma-related stress, anxiety disorders and women's health. Founding members are the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) and the Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute.

The PTSD Alliance was founded to increase public awareness and promote a better understanding of PTSD, and serve as a resource for the general public and professionals on diagnosis, treatment and management of PTSD. PTSD Alliance offerings include:

* Resource Center -- 877-507-PTSD, a clearinghouse for PTSD Alliance-published educational booklets, educational resources, and referral and support information available from the four member organizations. Information packets -- for consumers and professionals -- are available free of charge by calling the automated, toll-free number 1-877-507-PTSD. The PTSD Alliance Resource Center is not a staffed crisis hotline.
* www.PTSDAlliance.org, an online resource center for the general public, professionals and the media. The site offers general background on PTSD, trauma-related causes, signs and symptoms, myths, diagnosis, and treatment; as well as links to the member organizations, which offer additional education and training resources, and information on local support groups and referral services; and an online form to order a free information packet.

* Patient Education Booklet and Video: The booklet and video seek to dispel the myths about PTSD that keep many people from recognizing the problem and obtaining help. The booklet reviews causes, risk factors and symptoms for PTSD, and provides information on treatment options and how family and friends can provide support and help in the recovery process.
* Professional Guide: This booklet offers an overview of PTSD, as well as practical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support strategies. The booklet also addresses vicarious traumatization and self-care.

PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced extreme trauma; been victimized or has witnessed a violent act; or has been repeatedly exposed to life-threatening situations. This includes survivors of a terrorist attack, rape or sexual assault, domestic abuse, childhood trauma, physical attacks, car accidents, school or workplace violence, natural disasters, or other unexpected, catastrophic, or psychologically distressing events.

Although PTSD symptoms usually appear within several weeks of the trauma, some people don't experience symptoms until months, even years, later. Once properly diagnosed, PTSD is treatable with psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both. However, PTSD sufferers often do not seek professional help because they don't associate their symptoms with a past traumatic experience, they try to avoid dealing with anything related to the traumatic event, or they feel helpless as to where to go for help. The PTSD Alliance is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Inc.