Ten Steps to a Strategic Plan

"I don't know why we bother. Hardly any of the stuff we predict ever comes to pass."

This study appeared last month in the online Journal Nature. In my view, it’s rightly being referred to as a landmark in our understanding of PTSD.

A 20-year longitudinal cohort study of post-traumatic stress disorder in World Trade Center responders

The study itself reminded me of Vaillant’s research, that culminated in the seminal 1980 book, The Natural History of Alcoholism. That also helped redefine our understanding of (and approach to) a chronic disorder that affects millions of people around the world.

As for PTSD, about 1 in 5 separated military veterans will experience its symptoms -- a staggeringly large number when you consider the number who serve. I wouldn’t be surprised if the totals are similar or even greater among so-called First Responders.

A key question for the researchers: "Does PTSD ordinarily resolve, persist, or worsen?"

The short answer: All threem depending, but for a great many, PTSD symptoms should not be viewed as a stress reaction...

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