Latest news with #PosttraumaticStressDisorder
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cohen Veterans Network Unveils New Awareness Campaign, 'PTSD: What Therapists Want You to Know'
'Why can two people respond differently to the same trauma?' New video series answers common questions with insights from mental health experts who specialize in treating PTSD STAMFORD, Conn., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This June, coinciding with PTSD Awareness Month, Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families, is launching a new public awareness campaign, "PTSD: What Therapists Want You to Know." The initiative features a video series with key insights from mental health experts who specialize in treating trauma and PTSD. The campaign aims to challenge misconceptions about the disorder and underscore that effective treatments are available. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that at some point in their life, seven out of every 100 veterans (7%) will have PTSD. This rate is similar to that of the U.S. population in which six of every 100 adults (6%) will have PTSD in their lifetime. Currently, there are about 12 million people in the U.S. with PTSD. "PTSD is often misunderstood, leading to stigma and misinformation that can prevent people from seeking help," said Dr. Anthony Hassan, president and CEO of Cohen Veterans Network. "By increasing awareness and understanding about the disorder, we hope to empower more individuals to take that first step toward care. PTSD is treatable, recovery is possible, and support is available." The campaign features a series of short, informative videos with information and advice from therapists who work with PTSD every day. The videos address common questions and misconceptions, exploring topics such as why two people can respond differently to the same trauma, what causes PTSD, how to make the most out of trauma treatment, and the importance of using the term "PTSD" accurately. The campaign additionally features an article on Explaining PTSD to Kids: Four Steps for Parents, which provides strategies to help caregivers talk with children about PTSD in the home. Since 2016, CVN has cared for over 85,000 clients and provided more than 770,000 clinical sessions. Approximately 21% of the network's veteran and active duty clients have received treatment for PTSD. The network additionally treats a wide variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, military transition challenges, adjustment issues, anger, grief and loss, family issues, relationship challenges, and children's behavioral problems. Care is available through the network's 22 Cohen Clinics serving 20 states in-person and via CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy. For more information on "PTSD What Therapists Want You to Know" or to access the campaign video series and resources, visit Cohen Clinic b-roll is available here. ABOUT COHEN VETERANS NETWORK Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is a 501(c)(3) national not-for-profit philanthropic organization for post- 9/11 veterans, active duty service members and their families. CVN focuses on improving mental health outcomes, operating a network of outpatient mental health clinics in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions. It was established in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen with a commitment of $275 million to build the network. Learn more about CVN at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cohen Veterans Network
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
EMDR-Based Mobile Apps Show Promise in Reducing PTSD Symptoms
KEW, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, May 27, 2025 / / -- A new series of smartphone apps developed by Australian psychologist Mark Grant is delivering promising results for people living with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ). In a recent pilot study, users who engaged with the apps regularly over three months experienced a 40% reduction in PTSD symptoms, and significantly decreased comorbid health problems. With rates of PTSD on the rise globally due to war, the pandemic, and social unrest, these accessible and affordable tools could mark a breakthrough in how trauma is managed in everyday life. The Healing Trauma App Series ( HTAS ) is designed to address four of the most common problems associated with PTSD: anxiety, medically unexplained pain, insomnia and decreased self-confidence. 1. Anxiety Release App: Targets anxiety associated with PTSD. 2. Overcoming Pain App: Targets pain/medically unexplained symptoms associated with PTSD. 3. Sleep Restore App: Addresses insomnia associated with PTSD. 4. Calm and Confident App: Addresses the impact of trauma and PTSD on identity. In the pilot study, participants who used the app series consistently over three months experienced a remarkable 40% reduction in PTSD symptoms. Physical symptoms commonly linked to trauma, such as sleep disturbances, fatigue and chronic pain, also showed significant improvement. These positive outcomes were largely maintained at a six-month follow-up. The apps proved effective across a wide range of trauma experiences, including childhood abuse, assault, car accidents and medical trauma. Many users found it helpful to use different apps for different issues, tailoring their support to their needs. Notably, participants were more likely to stick with the program when a therapist recommended the apps, highlighting the importance of professional guidance alongside digital support. A larger follow-up study is being planned. The apps are built on the principles of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR ), a cutting-edge trauma therapy that works by helping the brain 'rewire' itself. EMDR targets the neural pathways that store traumatic memories and pain by combining focused attention with rhythmic, bilateral stimulation, such as sound or movement. This dual approach activates both emotional and rational parts of the brain, promoting healing from the inside out. Because it works directly with the brain's natural ability to adapt (neuroplasticity), EMDR has been shown to deliver faster results than traditional therapies like exposure therapy. One app user shared: 'As soon as I hear the bilateral stimulation, I seem to calm down. Having the first calm day in my life, it's a bit unnerving.' Each app in the series is designed to be used on an 'as-needed' basis, giving users the flexibility to manage whatever symptoms they're experiencing in the moment, whether it's anxiety, insomnia, pain, or low confidence. Since trauma symptoms can shift day to day, or even hour to hour, having access to all four apps gives users a personalised toolkit for support whenever they need it. The apps are affordably priced at just USD $5.00 each, or users can access the full bundle for only USD $10.00. In a show of global solidarity, 1,000 downloads were recently donated to Ukrainian citizens and soldiers affected by war-related trauma. For more information visit ENDS For more information, contact Mark on (+61) 0402 122 173 or email [email protected] Zhai Y, Du X. Trends in Diagnosed Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder in US College Students, 2017-2022. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e2413874. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.13874 Mark Grant Mark Grant MA +61 402 122 173 [email protected] Visit us on social media: Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
