Addressing issues such as shame and self-loathing felt by sufferers of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) can be beneficial if dealt with at an early stage in treatment, according to Queen’s graduate, Doctor Kevin Dyer.
The suggestion comes as a result of work by Dr Dyer which has seen him announced as the 2008 Praxis Prize winner for his research in the area of PTSD. The Praxis Prize is awarded annually to the postgraduate student who has completed the best project relevant to the field of mental health and social care, from Queen’s University’s School of Psychology.
From Dunmurry Dr Dyer’s research examined the relationship between symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and outcomes of anger, aggression and self-harm. By comparing those with PTSD and C-PTSD, Dr Dyer found that people with Complex-PTSD had significantly higher levels of physical aggression and self-harm, than those with PTSD.
His findings have implications for clinical practice as they suggest that addressing alterations of self-perception (such as shame and self-loathing) among people with Complex PTSD at an early phase in treatment will be beneficial.
Course Director at Queen’s for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr Chris McCusker, said: “Kevin’s research adds to the knowledge base of cognitive processes and features associated with PTSD and will be of interest to the scientific and clinical communities alike. He conducted his research with the academic flair and insight that characterised his clinical training”.
Sonia Mawhinney, Senior Research Officer with Praxis Care said: “Praxis Care is delighted to award the Maria McConnell Memorial Prize to Dr Kevin Dyer. Kevin’s research investigated the role of anger, aggression and self harm on Complex PTSD. The research was conducted to a high standard with a sophisticated analysis of results. This is a disorder which affects many users of mental health services and Kevin’s research findings will no doubt lead to further research in this field”.
Kevin will receive a trophy and a cheque for £250. His name will be added to a perpetual plaque, which is in the School of Psychology at Queen’s.
Notes:
The Praxis Prize is dedicated to the memory of Maria McConnell who suffered from depression and was involved in the Praxis Befriending Scheme. Because of the support Praxis gave to their daughter, and because she wanted to study Psychology, Maria’s parents requested a memorial to be set up in her name. The prize-giving was supported by Mr McConnell.
Kevin Dyer completed his PhD in the School of Psychology at Queen’s in 2004 and then obtained a place on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology training programme at the University. The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is a three year training programme, successful completion of which leads to eligibility to be chartered as a Clinical Psychologist with the British Psychological Society. Kevin completed the course in September 2007 and is currently working as a Clinical Psychologist in an adult mental health service based in the Belfast City Hospital campus.
Kevin completed his research at the Trauma Resource Centre in North and West Belfast.
Praxis Care, registered as a charity in 1983, is a major provider of services for adults and children with a learning disability, mental ill health, acquired brain injury and for older people, including people with dementia.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (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.[1] It is a severe and ongoing emotional reaction to an extreme psychological trauma
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a clinically recognized condition that results from extended exposure to prolonged social and/or interpersonal trauma. Core characteristics of C-PTSD include psychological fragmentation, the loss of a sense of safety, trust, and self-worth, as well as the tendency to be re-victimised, and the loss of a coherent sense of self.
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