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.
· Antidepressants
SSRIs like Sertraline and Paroxetine more commonly known as Zoloft and Paxil, respectively.
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.Can reduce nightmares and sleep problems because it blocks the effects of adrenaline released.
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
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
I really enjoyed your post Alejandra. I had heard of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder before, but did not know that so many people suffer from this disorder. I know a couple of people that suffered from this disorder but it affect them all in different ways. One of my ex co-workers suffered from this disorder. Her husband and she were in a really bad car accident and unfortunately passed away. It was such an impact, that she suffered from PTSD. At first she did not let anyone help her at all. She just shut off the rest of the world. She has four children and her mother had to take care of them because my friend couldn’t. She went into depression and lost a lot of weight. Finally, her mother convinced her to seek professional help. She took medications and went to therapy. Luckily, she is now better and she can now take care of her children. PTSD can be a very serious disorder and must not be ignored. It can have very serious effects.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. I have known people in the past who have developed PTSD, and it really is a tragic and terrible condition. I am both surprised, and not surprised that women are more likely to develop PTSD than men at some point in their lifetime. I assumed that since men go to war and are possibly involved in some more tragic type situations that they would develop it more, but I guess that's not the case. Overall great post.
ReplyDeleteAlejandra many people think that soldiers come back from over seas messed up and what not but they never know the cause or simply the correct terminology for this so i think it is great that you talked about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and how it is related with veterans. In addition, you made it easy to understand and maintaied it interesting at the same time, thank you for such an informational post.
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