Normal and Abnormal Responses to the stress of combt.pptx

Combat stress responses in military personnel

1. Combat Stress Capt Jordan Fields 19 February 2014

2. Overview Describe the characteristics of the combat stress response (CSR ) Differentiate this response from Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Brief Guideline on Managing CSRs 2 There are 30 slides, in case you're counting

3. Combat Stress (Essentials) NOT a psychiatric disorder Combat Stress ≠ Eventual PTSD NORMAL reaction Variety of physiological and psychological reactions during or immediately after combat Short-term, transitory response Treatment : Brief intervention 3

4. Combat Stress Observed Physiological Rapid Heart Rate Shortness of breath Headaches, dizziness Nausea Fatigue Jittery, Jumpy Tingling/Numb fingers/toes Psychological Hyperalertness Trouble Concentrating Heightened Irritability Hallucination Sadness/depression Feeling Isolated Sleep Problems ( Nightmares ) 4

5. Adaptive Combat Stress Reactions Unit Cohesion Alertness and Vigilance Increased Strength and Endurance Tolerance for Hardship, Pain, Discomfort Heroic Acts and Self Sacrifice 5 You're at the halfway point! Look alive people, look alive!

6. Time Course of Posttrauma Reactions Trauma 1 month 3 months 6 months 20 years 40 years Acute stress disorder Acute PTSD Chronic PTSD Delayed-onset PTSD Acute stress reaction 6

7. Managing Combat Stress Normalize Set the expectation for symptoms to improve Avoid medications Eat, drink & sleep Keep them active Maintain good personal hygiene Stay productive and active Talk to people Monitor for PTSD symptoms 7

8. Managing Combat Stress Refer for treatment BHOP Mental Health Clinic

9. Content adapted from the following briefing: “Assessment and Management of Combat Stress and PTSD” by Maj Teresa Hughes, Ph.D . 9

10. Questions 10