Research Paper on "War Veterans Suffering From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. An Existential Approach"

Research Paper 5 pages (1794 words) Sources: 5

[EXCERPT] . . . .

PTSD

War veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. An existential Approach

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

War veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. An existential Approach

The reality of trauma and shock as a result of exposure to violence and warfare is not new. As Foa and Meadows (1997) state, " the concept of trauma-related emotional disturbance has existed for over a century, having names such as shell shock, war neurosis, and rape trauma syndrome" (Foa & Meadows, 1997. P. 449). However, the recognition of this condition as a formal medical and psychological condition is fairly recent. It was only introduced formally as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) of the American Psychiatric Association in 1980 (Foa & Meadows, 1997. P. 449). This has meant that treatment protocols and methods of dealing with PTSD among veterans are still at a relatively new stage.

One of the latest methods of understanding and treating this condition is through existential psychology and analysis. This paper will explore existential views on PTSD and its treatment. The importance of this form of analysis and treatment will become clear from the following discussion. Existentialism is a perception that views PTSD in terms of a more holistic understanding of life experience and the way that certain extreme trauma can affect the individual.

PTSD and existential analysis

Radical experiences such as the exposure to extreme violence and life-threatening situations on an extended basis can lead to symptoms of Post traumatic Stress Disorder, such as depression and suicidal tendencies. Existential analysis relates to this in that it is based on an interrogation of the meaning of existence and reality. As a philosophy it has many diverse sources, from the philosophy of Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger to the school of thought popularized by Sartre.

One of the central terms used in this view of reality authenticity or 'authentic existence'. This refers to existence that is felt to be truthful or harmonious as opposed to non-authentic existence, which is perceived as false and disharmonious. Marcel, for example, comments that existence is that, "… state in which man...achieves & #8230; full realization of himself "(Allers, 1961, p. 33). In brief, "All existentialists… affirm the ontological priority of the human being "(Allers, 1961, p. 34).

In essence, the existential perspective on treatment of this disorder takes cognizance of a number of fundamental factors and issues. The first is that the psychosocial effects of posttraumatic syndromes can be triggered by a dislocation or even a destruction of the individual's previous worldview. This refers to the individual's ideas and framework of psycho-social stability and reality that provides him or her with a sense of identity and security. As one study on this topic states: "Traumatic Stressors challenge one's paradigm of the self and/or world. Maimed or shattered paradigms create a state of psychological crisis until new paradigms can be adopted, for these paradigms are the basis of our psychological stability" (Vandervoort and Rokach, 2003. P. 675). This view expresses an essential starting point for the understanding PTSD from an existential point-of-view.

Put in other terms, extreme trauma, such as exposure to warfare, can disrupt or destroy "… our functional illusions of individual invulnerability" (Vandervoort and Rokach, 2003, p.675). This refers as well to four core assumptions that constitute psychological stability. These are; "…the world is benevolent or at least benign; life is meaningful; we have control over our lives; and positive self-worth" (Vandervoort and Rokach, 2003. P. 675). When individuals experience extreme trauma these basic assumptions or beliefs are put into question and this results in a state of existential anxiety. As .Vandervoort and Rokach (2003) state,

The experience of trauma makes one acutely aware that these assumptions are not true and thus one's ability to act & #8230;as if these basic assumptions about the world are valid is lost. One can no longer believe that people are basically good and that good things happen to good people or that by engaging in the "right" behaviors… (Vandervoort and Rokach, 2003, p. 675)

Therefore, many veterans exposed to forms of existential trauma tend to question the meaning of life and their own personal self-worth, which can lead to the various symptoms of PTSD. Experience of trauma can also result in a sense of dislocation from reality and specific psychological problems.

Another aspect to consider is the existential dichotomy between good and evil. In essence one may come"… face-to-face with the existence of evil and the breakdown of a moral universe" (Vandervoort & Rokach, 2003, p. 676). This may also lead to the questioning of self -- authenticity. The term authenticity plays an important role in existential analysis as it refers to one's feeling of worth and personal reality which may be broken down by traumatic experience. "Authenticity refers to autonomous self-creation of who and what individuals are to become" (Vandervoort and Rokach, 2003, p. 676 ). In essence the individual who suffers posttraumatic illness experiences a "… the psychological world & #8230; filled with terror which results in psychobiological changes" (Vandervoort and Rokach, 2003, p. 675). The intense anxiety that they experience comes from the loss of security and meaning that they previously found in their world and from the destruction of their framework of self and the loss of a secure belief system.

The following extract from actual case study typifies the experience of trauma that many veterans relive.

When Mike went on a drinking binge during his short hospital furlough, he was reliving his war trauma and other PTSD symptoms, on the anniversary of one of the most terrifying days in his life. & #8230;. Two days later, he attempted suicide with a .45 caliber pistol which he had brought home from Vietnam and kept in a cedar chest, along with his high school yearbook, his medals from Vietnam, including three Purple Heart awards and photos of his buddies killed in action.

(Wilson & Thomas, 2004, p. 112)

Treatment

Treatment of PTSD therefore has to take into account the existential ramifications of the anxiety that can result from trauma. In the first instance the therapist or counselor should be cognizant of underlying changes. "At the heart of states of traumatization are dysregulations in organismic functioning. Trauma's impact on the wholeness, intactness and synchronized regularity of psychological functioning is altered in multileveled ways, affecting some systems of functioning more severely than others "(Wilson & Thomas, 2004, p. 213).

As the above quotation suggests, treatment involves a rectification or correction of the intense "dysregulations" and confusion that traumatic experiences create (Wilson & Thomas, 2004, p. 213). The therapist or counselor has to establish paths and methods that can return the patient to a more positive and regulated view of his or her self and the world. As Wilson and Thomas ( 2004) state, "Recovery and healing from states of traumatization involves restoring organismic fine-tuning, recalibrating stress response systems, resetting the homeostatic level of optimal system functioning, reconnecting and reintegrating previously dysregulated engineering systems governing the psychobiological basis of optimal functioning & #8230;"( Wilson and Thomas, 2004, p. 213). Furthermore, from an existential perspective, recovery from trauma and PTSD revolves around the process of self-transformation as well as a restoration of meaning and a sense of 'wholeness' (Wilson and Thomas, 2004, p. 213).

There are various suggested methods of achieving these aims. One of these is the HEARTS model. This involves a number of therapeutic strategies that form an integrated part of the healing process. These include the following aspects; listening to the history of the patient; focusing on emotions; symptoms and actions; explaining the reasons for symptoms; teaching coping skills and helping with self-change "(Roysircar, 2004, p. 168).

Another method of treatment is known as structured meaning-making. This refers to a structured intervention model for dealing with the symptoms of PTSD. It focuses on existential meaning-making, also known as logotherapy. Logotherapy begins with establishing a frame of reference for the patient to understand the traumatic event or events. The patient is "…educated about how current symptoms and health, both physical and psychological, relate to a past traumatic event" (Roysircar, 2004, p. 168). This leads to a process of self-discovery as the patient gradually confronts the traumatic events and their implications; for example, through the use of a journal. This in intended to lead the patient to a stage when he or she can make adjustments in their perception of reality and the world in order to cope with the trauma that was experienced in the past.

This is a complex process which also involves techniques such as the use of guided imagery, which assists the patient in confronting the events that initiated the trauma. This in turn results in growth and development in terms of what the patient has learned from the traumatic experience. In effect the negative consequences of the trauma are transformed into positive motivational forces for future personal growth. The patient is finally able to"…say farewell to the traumatic experience" (Roysircar, 2004, p. 168).… READ MORE

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