Psychiatry

 

The New Jersey Medical School Center for Traumatic Stress (NJMSCTS)

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when an individual exposed to one or multiple traumatic experiences develops symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance and hyper arousal. This is a disorder that significantly affects functioning in social, marital and work related areas. It is often comorbid with depression and substance abuse. Suicide rates are higher than in the general population. PTSD has also been found to have a significant impact on physical health, significantly increasing the risk for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

With a lifetime prevalence of exposure to trauma of 40-90% in the general population, PTSD is a widely prevalent condition in individuals exposed to one or more traumatic experiences.

Inner city, socio economically disadvantaged populations are at high risk for exposure to both chronic as well as acute stress. Our community and patient population are exposed to a wide range of trauma, such as crime, violence, accidents, abuse, war-related combat, terrorism and man-made disasters.

Mission

The New Jersey Center for Traumatic Stress (NJCTS) is an academic-based organization focusing on the advancement of knowledge, prevention and treatment of disorders secondary to trauma. This is a multidisciplinary program involving, among others, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, trauma, orthopedic surgery, family medicine and medicine.

The main goals of the center are:

• To provide culturally competent screening/assessment/evaluation and treatment for individuals exposed to trauma. Treatments include pharmacological and psychological intervention as well as, when indicated, state of the art Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

• To educate health care providers, students and our community on the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorders and other syndromes accompanying PTSD, such as depression, substance abuse and suicidal behavior.

• To educate individuals and community organizations on resources and approaches to prevention as well as building coping strategies to build resilience after trauma.

• To work alongside primary care providers in the identification of symptoms as well as treatment.

• To sensitize the public on the deleterious effects of severe and chronic PTSD on physical and mental health.   

• To keep an active archive on  relevant literature on  the consequences of traumatic experiences on health and mental health.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for a consultation, please call 973-972-2977