Media Room

At a time when many military men and women are returning home from combat, Dr. Jerry A. Boriskin, distinguished visiting faculty member of the University of the Rockies and author of "At Wit's End," delivered timely solutions on how to recognize and prevent post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for military members at the 35th Annual Advanced International Winter Symposium.

The symposium took place at the Crowne Plaza in Colorado Springs, Colo. and brought together faculty to address the issues of treatment, recovery and research in the addictions, mental health and behavioral health fields. More than 800 attended the conference which provided intensive, advanced clinical training while focusing on interaction between faculty and participants.

Dr. Boriskin's topic on effective treatment of complex PTSD and addiction provided guidance on how to recognize the signs and steps trauma survivors in early recovery could take, what not to do if a loved one is diagnosed and what clinicians can do to help their patients.

According to Dr. Boriskin, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave, physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents or military combat. About 30 percent of the men and women who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD.

"Knowing and understanding the signs and symptoms of PTSD can help make the transition from military life to everyday normal activity a smooth one and help clinicians with better diagnosis and proper treatment," said Dr. Boriskin. "Troops abroad must deal with the hardship of separation from loved ones for uncertain periods of deployment in addition to the stress of threats to their lives, which can trigger unwanted feelings.

"Unwanted feelings can range from surges of anger to a feeling of hopelessness. Those who develop PTSD have an increased risk of developing co-occurring addictive disorders. Treatment ranges from very simple techniques ranging from breathing exercises, walking with the patient for reassurance, exercise, sleep and, in some instances, symptom specific conditioning techniques as well as medication."

University of the Rockies is the only university dedicated solely to the graduate teaching of psychology in the Colorado Springs area. The university provided educational support to the symposium by providing four faculty members for the symposium.

Boriskin is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified addiction specialist, who began working with Vietnam veterans in 1979. As clinical director of one of the first Vet Centers, he quickly developed an expertise in addictive disorders. He transitioned to private practice in Florida in 1986, working with a wide range of trauma survivors, particularly sexual abuse survivors. He developed one of the earliest extended residential treatment programs and in 1999 he co-founded Advanced Recovery Center in Delray Beach, Fla.

About University of the Rockies
University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in psychology programs at the master's and doctoral levels at its campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, University of the Rockies also offers specialized degree programs online. San Diego-based Bridgepoint Education is the parent company of University of the Rockies, formerly known as the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. University students provide free and low-cost psychological services to the underserved through the University of the Rockies Foundation's Switzer Center. The Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization supporting students through scholarships, assistantships and other activities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858/531-9240 x2513.

About Bridgepoint Education
Based in San Diego, California, Bridgepoint Education was founded on the principle that anyone who is academically prepared deserves access to higher education without sacrificing quality, transferability of credits, accessibility, academic standards, or credentials. As an independent, private higher education company, Bridgepoint is committed to serving the millions of adults seeking an affordable alternative to high priced higher education. Bridgepoint Education subsidiaries provide both traditional and online education offerings, in addition to recruiting and admissions services. The organization's comprehensive education services have helped thousands of students improve their lives and careers through higher education. For more information, please visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.