PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a serious psychiatric disorder that can occur after a traumatic experience. It is usually associated with soldiers who have been in military combat, but can also occur after natural disasters, vehicular accidents, sexual assault, terrorist incidents, plane crashes, and a variety of other traumatic incidents. Although most people will experience elevated levels of stress during and after the traumatic incident, they will eventually subside and go away over time. Only a few develop PTSD.

Factors in PTSD development

Development of PTSD involves an array of factors such as:
 ·        Intensity of trauma
·         Duration of trauma
·         Casualties
·         Extent of injury to self
·         Personal reaction
·         Support system available after trauma
·         Ability to cope

Symptoms

·         Flashbacks- bad memories or nightmares can be seen as reliving the traumatic event. Flashbacks may cause the individual to feel scared and helpless.

·         Avoidance- of situations that trigger a memory often changing everyday tasks. It can include everything from sounds and smells to people and places that remind them of a key aspect or element present at the time.  

·         Hyperarousal- individuals with PTSD report feeling jittery, alert, and even paranoid often. This can often cause the individual trouble sleeping and concentrating.

·         Negative feelings- The person may feel guilt, worry, and depression. Some even report a numb feeling and may isolate themselves from other to avoid talking about the traumatic event. 

Other problems

Other conditions such as depression, substance abuse, and depression may also be co-morbid with PTSD. Individuals with PTSD may also have chronic feelings of hopelessness and despair as well as chronic pain. These individuals are also more likely to have marital or relationship problems. 

Treatments

Psychotherapy- there are several different types of psychotherapy available for individuals with PTSD, all involve meeting with a therapist. 

·        Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown to be the most effective type of counseling. It examines the relationships between thoughts and feelings that influence the individual's behavior and aims to change disturbing thoughts/feelings negatively impacting behavior. There is Exposure therapy and Cognitive Processing therapy. Exposure therapy involves the patient being exposed to the trauma (in a safe way) until it's no longer met with fear. Cognitive processing therapy allows the patient to cope, accept, and understand what has happened. The goal is for you to change the way you think about the traumatic event and help decrease feelings of guilt and blame. 

Medications

·        Antidepressants
SSRIs like Sertraline and Paroxetine more commonly known as Zoloft and Paxil, respectively. 

·         Prazosin
Can reduce nightmares and sleep problems because it blocks the effects of adrenaline released. 

*As with all medications, there are possible side effects that an individual must consider beforehand.  CONSULT WITH A DOCTOR before discontinuing any medications or thinking of taking any medication.

PTSD OVERVIEW

Here is a list of hotlines available if you or someone you know is dealing with PTSD and needs help.
PTSD Hotline:  1-800-273-8255
National Sexual Assault Hotline:  1-800-656-HOPE
National Center for PTSD: 802-296-6300
Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247

References:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/what-is-ptsd.asp
http://ww.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml