Psychopathology: Theory and Practice

Treatment approaches for complex PTSD and simple PTSD in the otherwise healthy adult PART 2

This seminar in 2 parts covers diagnostic issues in identifying traumatic experiences that are rooted in childhood, and differentiating these from traumas experienced by otherwise healthy adults that may result in PTSD and a disruption to their self-reflective functioning. In Part I, Alexandra Richman covers the key diagnostic issues in identifying traumatic experiences that are rooted in childhood and differentiating these from traumas experienced by otherwise healthy adults that may result in PTSD and a disruption in their self-reflective functioning. Diagnosis, aetiology and assessment are discussed.  In Part II, she considers implications for planning an appropriate treatment strategy, illustrated with case material. We will see how a securely attached individual is able to cope with a brief therapeutic intervention to address the traumatic experience, whereas a patient suffering from re-activated, complex PTSD rooted in traumatic childhood events, needs a much longer, phase-oriented treatment approach. Such approaches are outlined in detail.