Psychologist and Media Commentator Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D., Discusses Psychological Trauma Associated with Hurricane Katrina

A Trauma psychologist who has treated victims of disasters discusses psychological trauma that could occur as Hurricane Katrina moves toward the South Florida Coast.

(PRWEB) August 29, 2005 -- Trauma psychologist Robert R. Butterworth, who has treated victims of disasters, discusses psychological trauma that could occur as Hurricane Katrina moves toward the South Florida Coast.

"The psychological trauma of hurricanes and floods impacts children the hardest. Why do children exhibit psychological trauma? There are two sources of security for a child: The security of their parents and the predictability of their physical environment. During a hurricane both are threatened," says Los Angeles psychologist Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D.

"A young child who doesn't understand what is occurring during a severe storm like a hurricane can easily become confused and frightened as a result of these unpredictable events."

Child trauma anxiety symptoms:

Children's fear and anxiety reactions are frequently linked to the fear of being injured, killed or separated from parents.

Many fears in children occur at night, usually during bedtime. Parents see this as children afraid to sleep alone, unable to fall asleep or repeated awakening throughout the night, seeking parental reassurance.

Fear symptoms in children:

-- Being afraid to let a parent out of their sight.

-- Afraid of the dark, closed spaces or being outdoors.

-- Reacting with fear to any sudden loud noises.

-- Regression in toilet habits (bed-wetting).

-- Refusing to eat, nightmares, hyperactivity and irritability.

-- Aggressive episodes with other children.

-- Withdrawal from activities.

-- Reverting to past childish behavior previously outgrown.

The developmental level of the child + amount of exposure to trauma + family reaction = the degree of psychological trauma.

Adult stress symptoms include:

Anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, impairment in concentration, loss of productivity, feelings of sadness and gloom, and the tendency to link the hurricane and floods to other traumatic events in their life.

Adults and children need to talk about their fear: "Those individuals who recover the quickest from the psychological effects of disasters are those who are able to verbalize their feelings with others," said Butterworth.

Psychologist and media commentator, Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D., has assisted radio, TV, and print media since 1984 find answers and provide insight to enhance understanding of psychological issues on a variety of topics. Dr. Butterworth has conducted extensive surveys focused on children and youth, social, political and trauma issues. His comments, observations and op-ed articles have appeared in most of the major newspapers in the United States and worldwide. He is seen quite often on NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX and CNN network news especially during monumental events such as violence, disasters and youth tragedies and psychological reactions to breaking news and human event stories.

Within hours of the Sept. 11th disaster trauma psychologist and media commentator Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D., was giving ongoing psychological commentary to a traumatized nation. During those crucial days he was called upon almost daily on MSNBC. He also appeared frequently on CNN, CBS, NBC and Fox Network television conveying psychological hope to our nation. He remarks on this crisis were also quoted in Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los Angeles Times and the Associated Press.

Appearances also include ABC's Nightline, and This Week, CNN's Larry King Live, NBC's, Oprah, Dateline NBC, and Good Morning America. CBS This Morning, The O'Reilly, Factor, Extra and Entertainment Tonight and many network talk and news programs. He is also featured as a psychology expert in various documentaries seen on Discovery, History, E -Entertainment and the Learning Channel. Dr Butterworth also serves as a psychology expert for public relations organizations and is a past consultant for a national Magazine. In addition Dr Butterworth recently had a cameo spot in a major motion picture, "Kate and Leopold," with Meg Ryan and Michael Moore's "Bowling For Columbine."

Qualifications:
Board Certified Traumatic Stress, Diplomate; American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.
Board Certified Diplomate Fellow in Forensic Sciences; International College of Prescribing Psychologists.
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist Certification: American Board for the Accreditation and Certification of Psychoanalysis, N.Y.
Psychologist License: State of California.

Member:
American Psychological Association / Division of Media Psychology.
California Psychological Association
National Accreditation Association of Psychoanalysis.
International Association of Trauma Counselors.

Biographical Information Included in:
Who's Who of Emerging Leaders in America.
Who's Who in the World.
Who's Who in Science and Industry.

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