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Emily Cheng, MHS, CRC Academic Advisor/Disability Services Coordinator OSU-Oklahoma City

Strategies for Promoting Success of Student Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Classroom. Emily Cheng, MHS, CRC Academic Advisor/Disability Services Coordinator OSU-Oklahoma City. What is PTSD?.

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Emily Cheng, MHS, CRC Academic Advisor/Disability Services Coordinator OSU-Oklahoma City

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  1. Strategies for Promoting Success of Student Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Classroom Emily Cheng, MHS, CRC Academic Advisor/Disability Services Coordinator OSU-Oklahoma City

  2. What is PTSD? The American Psychiatric Association (2000) described PTSD as a collection of symptoms that may occur after someone “witnesses, experiences, or is confronted with an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of oneself or others” (American Psychological Association [APA], 2000). The person’s response involved “fear, helplessness, or horror” (APA, 2000).

  3. Combat Stressors Faced by Afghanistan and Iraq War Veterans Iraq 89% received rocket or mortar fire 95% were shot at 92% were attacked or ambushed 87% knew someone that was killed or seriously injured 95% saw dead bodies Afghanistan • 84% received rocket or mortar fire • 66% were shot at • 58% were attacked or ambushed • 43% knew someone that was killed or seriously injured • 39% saw dead bodies Source: United States Department of Veterans Affairs, 2011

  4. How Common is PTSD Among Veterans? Occurs in about 11% of Afghanistan War Veterans and 20% of Iraq War Veterans (United States Department of Veterans Affairs, 2012). Higher prevalence in Iraq War Veterans Suicide rate averages about 1 per day—highest rate since Sept. 11 event (Pentagon, 2012)

  5. Symptoms of PTSD Recurrent flashbacks of the event, may be accompanied by physical symptoms (racing heartbeat, sweating) Uncontrollable and frightening thoughts Avoidance of places and things that are reminders of the event

  6. Symptoms of PTSD Hyper-vigilance (feelings of tension, being “on-guard”) Exaggerated startle response Detachment, estrangement from others Emotional numbness

  7. Symptoms of PTSD Sleep disturbances Irritability, anger outbursts Often accompanied by depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders Can be linked to traumatic brain injury (TBI), symptoms may overlap

  8. Academic Impacts Difficulty concentrating Information processing difficulties Learning and memory deficits Impairments in executive functioning (e.g., problem solving, planning, insight/awareness)

  9. Treatment Individual or group counseling Medication for co-occurring depression/anxiety

  10. Strategies for Accommodating Veterans with PTSD in the Classroom Extra time on timed exams/quizzes Consideration of extra time on individual assignments/homework Permission to use a tape recorder during class lectures Refer to tutoring resources in Student Success & Opportunity Center

  11. Strategies for Accommodating Veterans with PTSD in the Classroom Considerations in attendance or make-up work policies in the event of a medical episode or doctor’s appointment Remind class of upcoming assignments, due dates Seating considerations Allow breaks as needed during class Allow student to stand in back of room—this is usual military behavior when tired

  12. Strategies for Handling Challenging Students with PTSD Be calm and gentle, but firm in your approach Explain what they need to do to modify their behavior (e.g., lower their voice, use more respectful language) Approach student slowly from the front

  13. Strategies for Handling Challenging Students with PTSD Refrain from touching or bodily contact Can ask student to leave class if disruptive behavior continues If student leaves class suddenly, do not follow them

  14. On-Campus Resources • OSU-OKC Veterans’ Services Center • Assistance with Veterans’ financial benefits • Peer support • 1st floor Student Center, next to Admissions Office • Contact person: Loretta Hatchett Veterans’ Services Coordinator 945-8692 loretts@osuokc.edu

  15. On-Campus Resources OSU-OKC Student Veterans’ Association Contact person: Rene Hurst Faculty Advisor 945-3269 hurstn@osuokc.edu David Risinger OSU-OKC Talent Search Director 945-9161 drrisin@osuokc.edu

  16. Community Resources Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom program through the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center (405) 456-3214 Oklahoma City Vet Center 1024 NW 47th St. Suite B (NW 47th and N. Western) Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 456-5184 or 877-927-8387

  17. Community Resources Veterans’ Crisis Helpline Voice: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) Text: send a message to 838255 Chat: visit http://veteranscrisisline.net

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