Launched in 2000, the PTSD Alliance is a group of the nation’s leading professional and advocacy organizations representing healthcare issues related to PTSD including trauma-related stress, anxiety disorders and women’s health. Founding members are the American College of  Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and the Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute.

The PTSD Alliance was founded to increases public awareness and promote a better understanding of PTSD, and serve as a resource for the general public and professionals on diagnosis, treatment and management of PTSD. The PTSD Alliance offers:

• Resource Center–877-507-PTSD, a clearinghouse for PTSD Alliance-published educational booklets, educational resources, and referral and support information available from the four member organizations. Information packets–for consumers and professionals–are available free of charge by calling the automated, toll-free number, 1-877-507-PTSD. The PTSD Alliance Resource Center is not a staffed crisis hotline.
• www.PTSDAlliance.org, an online resource center for the general public, professionals, and the media. The site offers general background on PTSD, trauma-related causes, signs and symptoms, myths, diagnosis, and treatment; as well as links to the member organizations, which offer additional education and training resources, and information on local support groups and referral services; and an online form to order a free information packet.
• Patient Education Booklet and Video: The booklet and video seek to dispel the myths about PTSD that keep many people from recognizing the problem and obtaining help. The booklet reviews causes, risk factors and symptoms for PTSD, and provides information on treatment options and how family and friends can support and help in the recovery process.

PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced extreme trauma; been victimized or has witnessed a violent act; or has been repeatedly exposed to life-threatening situations. This includes combat veterans, survivors of a terrorist attack, rape or sexual assault victims, domestic abuse victims, those with childhood trauma, physical attacks, car accidents, school orworkplace violence, natural disasters, or other unexpected, catastrophic, or psychologically distressing events.

Although PTSD symptoms usually appear within several weeks of the trauma, some people don’t experience symptoms until months, even years, later. Once properly diagnosed, PTSD is treatable with psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.

However, PTSD sufferers often do not seek professional help because they don’t associate their symptoms with a past traumatic event, or they feel helpless as to where to go for help.

The PTSD Alliance is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Inc.

Charlene’s Note:

Every day I find more encouraging resources for helping those affected with PTSD. Hopefully, those who need these resources will take full advantage of them.