How to Overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from a Car Accident
Interview with Psychologist Jennifer A. Bennice, Ph.D
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of PTSD and other anxiety disorders. I earned my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where I studied and published with Dr. Patricia Resick, a leading expert in the field of PTSD. I completed a predoctoral internship in traumatic stress and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina , including work at the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center. I have been in full-time private practice in Charleston, South Carolina for the past several years."
What are some PTSD symptoms can someone experience after a car accident?
"Following any traumatic experience, an individual may experience recurrent nightmares, intrusive memories, flashbacks, an exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, an urge to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event , and an urge to avoid situations/people/places that remind them of the traumatic event. In the case of a life-threatening motor vehicle accident, an individual may avoid driving, being a passenger in a car, or the location where the accident occurred."
How can someone overcome the PTSD from a car accident?
"Clinical research strongly suggests that a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and certain types of psychotropic medications is the most effective treatment for PTSD. Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy involves imaginal and in vivo exposure work, as well as modifying faulty thinking patterns that have developed as a result of the trauma."
What type of professional help is available for someone that is experiencing PTSD from a car accident?
"Trauma survivors can seek help by locating a licensed mental health professional who is specifically trained in trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy. Provider directories through the American Psychological Association, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies , Anxiety Disorders Association of America , and the American Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists may be helpful in locating a clinician who specializes in empirically-based treatment for PTSD."
Thank you Dr. Bennice for doing the interview on how to overcome PTSD from a car accident. For more information on Dr. Bennice or her work you can check out her website on www.wecharleston.com .
Recommended Readings:
How to Overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
How Prolonged Exposure Therapy Can Help PTSD
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6130536/tips_for_veterans_dealing_with_post.html?cat=5">Tips For Veterans Who Are Experiencing PTSD
Published by Jaleh
JALEH holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling. She is the book author of Making Marriage a Success and Life's Little How to Book which can be... View profile
- What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?What is post-traumatic stress disorder? Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect anybody that has gone through or witnessed a traumatic event. Here are some causes, symptoms, and treatments for post-traumatic stress...
- When You or a Family Member Suffers from Post Traumatic Stress DisorderPost Traumatic Stress Disorder is often a condition suffered in silence. if you or a family member have PTSD, it's important to find out why and how to get help.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Possible TreatmentsPost traumatic stress disorder is not just limited to those on the battlefield, it can occur to anyone who has survived a harrowing set of circumstances.
- Audie Murphy, Veterans & Post Traumatic Stress DisorderAmerica's most decorated soldier of World War Two suffered from what we now call Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Learn the facts of an illness that affects 5 million Americans a year.
- What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?This article offers information about the signs and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- Causes & Signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Naturally
- Therapy Treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Trauma Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Victims
- Treatment Approaches for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Support Resources for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- How to Overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder