post-traumatic-stress-disorder

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What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a real illness that many people develop after witnessing, experiencing or participating in a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that can trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, abuse or torture, natural or human-made disasters, accidents or military combat. Families of victims have also been known to develop the disorder.

Symptoms generally fall into three categories:

Approximately 5.2 million American adults age 18 to 54 experience PTSD during any given year.

About 30 percent of individuals who’ve spent time in a war zone experience PTSD. It can develop at any age, including in childhood.

Symptoms typically begin within three months of the triggering event, although it may be several years later. PTSD can be extremely disabling, but the severity and duration of the illness varies. Some people recover within six months while others suffer much longer.

Avoidance – At first, the victim feels numb, with diminished emotions, and can complete only routine, mechanical activities. During a flashback, the person can alternate between a flood of emotions and emotional numbness. Feelings of intense guilt are common. Most individuals with PTSD avoid close emotional ties to family and friends, and try to avoid any reminders or thoughts of the ordeal.

PTSD has been known to accompany or lead to other mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.

Substance and alcohol abuse is common. The likelihood of treatment success is increased when these other conditions are appropriately identified and treated as well.

Intrusion – Memories, or flashbacks, of the event occur unexpectedly, and are often accompanied by painful emotions. These flashbacks can be so severe that the individual feels like the triggering event is happening again. The anniversary of the event, as well as events or objects reminiscent of the event, can trigger symptoms.

Hyperarousal – The constant feeling that danger is near can cause exaggerated reactions like jumpiness, sudden irritability and an explosive temper.

Concentration and short-term memory may be diminished. Nightmares may cause insomnia.

Common physical symptoms include headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, chest pain, discomfort in other parts of the body, and immune system problems.

Treatments of PTSD Several types of therapy, including family therapy and support groups, have proven effective in the treatment of PTSD. Studies have also shown that medications help ease associated symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. A visit to your mental health provider or family physician is needed to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Steps to Help Yourself Do your best to remain active – Choose an activity you enjoy and make it part of your regular routine.

Avoid being alone too much – Seek out family and friends you can talk to and who will listen.

Do not set difficult goals or take on added responsibility – Break larger tasks into smaller ones that you can accomplish.

Avoid making major life decisions – Try taking it one day at a time.

Go easy on yourself – Don’t expect too much, too fast. Treat yourself with kindness and respect.

Follow your doctor’s orders – Take your medication as prescribed, eat right and keep your appointments.