Date of Award
5-2019
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
First Advisor
Mindy Staveteig
Keywords
TSD, STS, divorce rate, mood disorder, therapy, pharmacological regimen
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that affects an individual directly, while also affecting their family members around them. While PTSD is not directly correlated to the development of Secondary Stress Disorder (STS), PTSD has been shown to lead to increased rates of divorce and mood disorders in children whose parents are diagnosed with PTSD. Children who have grown up with divorced parents, or parents with PTSD, have been shown to have an increased chances of developing mood disorders and risky lifestyle behaviors. The combination of having a parent with PTSD who are also divorced, would likely increase the odds even further of developing a mood disorder. While there are no set guidelines for the treatment of PTSD, the use of various types of group therapies that include family members has been shown to increase relationship satisfaction. While this type of method is useful, individual therapy or even pharmacologic regimens should also be included for best results. Educating family members about PTSD, and what the symptoms look like, can help reduce the increased stress associated with PTSD symptoms. If families are educated properly, divorce rates and mood disorder development among family members can be decreased.
Recommended Citation
Norton, Killian, "Can Early Intervention with Group Therapy or Individual Therapy Improve the Family Dynamic in PTSD Patients?" (2019). Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers. 33.
https://commons.und.edu/pas-grad-papers/33