Description
710: PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury: Counseling Techniques for Survivors
Deana Adams, Ph.D.
Hope After Brain Injury
P.O. Box 136816
Fort Worth, TX 76136
Patti Foster, B.A.
Hope After Brain Injury
P.O. Box 136816
Fort Worth, TX 76136
Summary
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) often coexist for those who suffered a brain injury from a traumatic experience. The symptoms overlap, creating problems of differential diagnoses. This lecture identifies the prevalence, symptomology, and critical differences between the two diagnoses to treat TBI survivors effectively. This workshop will define these conditions, explain potential overlaps between them, and discuss the differential diagnosis challenges. Additionally, the presenters will highlight the evidence of PTSD following TBI and possible mechanisms that may impact the nature of PTSD following TBI. Finally, the implications for managing the effects of TBI and PTSD are discussed in terms of recent developments, counseling techniques, and biblical perspectives. As part of the research presentation, Patti Foster, TBI survivor and former Christian radio personality, identifies the coping and adaptive strategies she developed to effectively manage the deficits of her brain injury specific to PTSD.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Differentiate PTSD and TBI specific to civilian and military survivors
• Utilize specific counseling techniques for psychologists and licensed mental health professionals that address PTSD/TBI co-morbidities
• Identify ways to effectively work with TBI survivors as they manage the symptoms of PTSD
