Neurobiology of PTSD/Traumatic Exposure

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Delivery: Synchronous virtual classroom via Zoom

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, sampling individuals at risk for the development of trauma related symptomology may produce prevalence rates of up to 58 percent. In addition to significant prevalence rates, PTSD is very often difficult to diagnose as evidenced by the number and variation of other disorders from which PTSD must be distinguished.

For these reasons it is important to study PTSD and to try and understand why some individuals will develop the disorders and others, also exposed to specific traumatic events, do not. Studying the symptomology of PTSD as it relates to possible neural mechanisms may provide some insight toward answering these questions. In addition, neural changes, which may occur as a result of experiencing a traumatic event, may explain the variability of PTSD symptoms as well as the long-term nature of these symptoms.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:

• List the three general categories of symptoms typically exhibited by consumers diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Describe the role of the limbic system and associated structures in the production of memory dysfunction in persons who have been traumatized.
• Summarize the mechanism by which the hypothalamus and pituitary gland are involved in the “fight or flight” response in persons diagnosed with PTSD.
• Summarize the Polyvagal Theory as it applies to traumatic exposure.

Instructor

Dr. Craig Strickland graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a Doctorate in Psychology and a focus on experimental research and neuroscience. Past positions include a faculty position at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and affiliate faculty positions at Widener University and Springfield College. He currently has guest lecturer privileges at the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, the Rutgers School of Social Work and an affiliate professor position at Thomas Jefferson University, East Fall Campus in the Community and Trauma Counseling program. Dr. Strickland is the owner of Biobehavioral Education and Consultation, LLC.

Cost | CEUs

Program Cost: $70

CEUs: 3