The Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) course provides learners with a foundational understanding of a complex mental health condition that affects individuals across all backgrounds. Through an exploration of PTSD’s history, scientific basis, signs and symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options, learners gain insight into how trauma impacts the mind and body. The course emphasizes awareness, recognition, and informed response, helping learners build empathy and practical knowledge to better understand PTSD in personal, professional, and community contexts.
Module 1: Introduction to PTSD
Introduces Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder as a mental health condition, including its prevalence, who it can affect, and how traumatic experiences can lead to symptoms immediately or over time.
Module 2: History & Understanding of PTSD
Explores the historical development of PTSD as a recognized condition and examines how understanding of trauma and stress has evolved over time.
Module 3: The Science of PTSD
Focuses on the biological and psychological mechanisms behind PTSD, including how trauma impacts the brain and body and how stress responses become prolonged or intensified.
Module 4: Recognizing Signs & Symptoms
Examines the most common symptoms of PTSD and provides guidance on identifying behavioral, emotional, and physical indicators in individuals affected by trauma.
Module 5: Prevention & Early Intervention
Covers strategies for reducing the risk of PTSD through early recognition, coping techniques, and supportive responses following traumatic events.
Module 6: Treatment Options & Recovery
Explores treatment approaches for PTSD, including therapeutic interventions, medications, and support systems that promote healing and long‑term recovery.
Module 7: Lived Experience & Application
Includes a real‑world perspective through a veteran’s story, helping learners connect theory to lived experience and deepen understanding of trauma’s impact.
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
Define Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and explain how it develops
Describe the historical evolution and modern understanding of PTSD
Explain the biological and psychological processes involved in trauma responses
Identify common symptoms and warning signs of PTSD
Recognize strategies for prevention and early intervention
Describe available treatment options, including therapy and medication
Apply greater awareness and understanding through real‑world perspectives on PTSD
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.