Event Detail Information
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Posttraumatic Stress and Growth in Older Adults |
| Event Status: | Updated |
| Modified Date: | 12/12/2012 |
| Start Date: | 1/15/2013 |
| End Date: | 1/15/2013 |
| Event Time: | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
| Title: | Posttraumatic Stress and Growth in Older Adults |
| Location: | |
| Other Location: | Stein Clinical Research Building, Room 148 |
| Event Category: | Lectures/Seminars -Health Sciences |
| Sponsor: | Stein Institute for Research on Aging |
| Open to Public: | YES |
| Admission Cost: | Free |
| Other Fee Desc: | |
| Contact Name: | maja@ucsd.edu Maja |
| Contact Phone: | (858) 822-7485 Ext. |
| Contact Email: | maja@ucsd.edu |
| Description: | There is evidence that traumatic events experienced early in life may have consequences that last into older adulthood. It is well established that older adults can suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for decades after events such as combat or natural disasters. However, there have been very few data-based studies of how older adults may have improvement in PTSD symptoms following treatment. Likewise, there has only recently been a recognition that some individuals experience growth following a traumatic event, such as a greater appreciation for life or a greater spiritual connection. Preliminary data about these issues will be presented, and implications for clinical work and research will be discussed. Steven Thorp, Ph.D. is the Program Director of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorders Clinical Team (PCT) at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and he serves as the Co-Chief of the Psychotherapy Unit in the Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health. He earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno and completed postdoctoral research fellowships in geriatric psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center and at UCSD. He conducts research and clinical work with Veterans who have experienced psychological trauma. Dr. Thorp's primary interest is in testing empirically supported treatments (such as prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy) for individuals who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Current research projects include a VA Career Development Award to compare prolonged exposure therapy to relaxation training for older Veterans who have PTSD. This project also investigates how neuropsychological functioning affects treatment outcomes. Dr. Thorp has also been awarded three grants (from the Department of Defense and the VA) to explore the use of teleconferencing technologies for conducting psychotherapy for Veterans with PTSD. He is an investigator in the VA Health Services Research and Development program and the Stein Institute of Research on Aging. Dr. Thorp is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in assessments and empirically supported psychotherapies for PTSD. He is particularly interested in treating older adults with PTSD and in adapting new technologies to enhance psychotherapy outcomes. He is a national Consultant and Trainer for the VA |
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