Post Traumatic Stress DisorderIf you have experienced a trauma, the trauma may live on in the form of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When you experience PTSD it may seem that things may not get better or feel normal again. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that help is available. Post traumatic stress is a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Reaching out for support and seeking treatment can help you to manage and overcome the symptoms of PTSD and move on with your life. What is Post Traumatic Stress DisorderAbout 7.7 million Americans have post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A person can develop PTSD following a terrifying ordeal which has occurred or they have been witness to, and felt intense fear, helplessness or horror. While war veterans raised the public profile of PTSD, events may include, but not be limited to a number of traumatic events. Some of these traumatic events may include:
Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress DisorderTypically people with PTSD experience flashbacks in wich they relive their experience through nightmares. They may develop insomnia and feel detached.Typically PTSD symptoms appear within 3 months of the trauma and include intrusion, avoidance and hyperarousal. Intrusion. If memories of the traumatic event reoccur and you experience vivid flashbacks that intrude in your life. These may include distressing images or thoughts, a feeling that the traumatic event we re-occuring, intense distress when exposed to triggers of the traumatic event and nightmares about the event. Avoidance. The person with post traumatic stress disorder may avoid close emotional contact with family and friends. Some PTSD sufferers may feel numb and not be emotionally involved in activities. The person will probably avoid situations, both external and internal cues, that remind them the original trauma. May try to avoid the feelings, emotions or distress by resorting to drugs or alcohol. Hyperarousal. This is when the PTSD causes the individual to feel constantly threatened or in danger. People with PTSD can become irritable or angry and may have trouble focusing on current information. They may scan their environment for danger or possible threats. People with PTSD have a higher incidence of depression and suicide and may resort to alcohol and drugs to cope with their painful memories. According to the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health (1999), approximately 50% of men and 25% of women with chronic PTSD have drug and alcohol issues Treatment for PTSDToday mental health professionals have good success rates in dealing with PTSD and use a variety of methods to work through their pain and trauma. Some therapies include cognitive behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, psychodynamic therapy, group counselling, in addition to medication.In psychological therapy you could expect education and information about PTSD, learning how to manage your anxiety, anger and/or depression, exposure threrapy in which the person with PTSD is confronted with the feared situation and memory, and cognitive therapy which may challenge the unhelpful and irrational thoughts with more helpful and rational throughts. If you are experiencing PTSD or know somebody who has, visit a medical health professional today to discuss your options. References Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Walters EE. Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005 Jun;62(6):617-27. Robins LN, Regier DA, eds. Psychiatric disorders in America: the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study. New York: The Free Press, 1991. National Institute of Mental Health and DSM IV Disclaimer When you access this site you do so on the following terms and conditions. The content information on this site is not provided as an alternative to obtaining of psychological advice from a duly qualified practitioner and is only provided by way of a general overview of the topics covered. Any person accessing this site shall have no right to seek any compensation for any loss or damage from any party associated with the site howsoever occasioned.
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