UB lecture addresses post-traumatic stress disorder, part of summer series
by RICK AHRENS Intern

Dr. Gayle Beck

"Amazing events in the world have increased awareness of PTSD," said Dr. Gayle Beck, professor of psychology at the University at Buffalo.

Beck's lecture on June 13, titled, "Understanding Trauma and PTSD: A Look Inside the Psychological World," sought to unravel popular misconceptions concerning post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and the nature of the human response to extreme events.

PTSD - known variously throughout history as irritable heart, railway spine and most infamously, shell shock - is a multifaceted psychological disorder that arises in response to severe stress and traumatic events and features post-trauma coping mechanisms past the window of normal recovery time.

According to Beck, a clinical psychologist who has studied trauma as a primary research interest, the recent prevalence of events such as devastating natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and warfare have led to an increased awareness of the problem.

"All traumas are not created equal," said Beck. How one reacts to a traumatic event is dependent on both the severity of that event and a cocktail of normal personality traits that mitigate how a person experiences stress.

However, there is still a disparity in how psychological trauma is viewed popularly and professionally.

"The media often misrepresents what PTSD is," said Beck, "to the point where people ask themselves if something like a bad break-up can lead to PTSD. That's simply not the case."

Advances in understanding PTSD, the awareness of which has increased greatly since the Vietnam War, have led researchers to no longer view it as a disease, removing the associated stigma and changing the way sufferers experience their symptoms.

"Understanding is important," said Beck, "because it's important to understand the issues experienced by soldiers returning home or civilians who have experienced the trauma of terrorist attacks or natural disasters."

Understanding has also led to a deeper knowledge of how symptoms may be treated.

According to Beck, a robust social support network is key in protecting against the lasting effects of trauma. Beck points to the fraternal nature of firemen and police officers, whose built-in support system allows them to cope with the traumatic events that are a part of their job.

In addition to the existence of a strong social network, Beck states that there exist several forms of psychotherapy that may, in some cases, remedy symptoms before a medication regimen is necessary. These types of therapy steadily expose clients to objects or ideas related to their trauma that creates stress, in hopes that acclimation will reduce their present stress.

Why are some individuals more susceptible than others? "That's the million-dollar question in psychology," said Beck. For all that remains unknown, Beck is optimistic that the psychological community is well-equipped to treat its clients and well-equipped to learn much more.

The UBThisSummer Lecture Series, sponsored by the UB Office of the Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education, meets at 4 p.m. every Wednesday through Aug. 15 in Room 225 of the Natural Sciences Complex, North Campus. There is no charge for attendance.