Mental Health - What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post traumatic stress disorder occurs after a terrifying event that involved physical harm or the threat of physical harm. The person who develops post traumatic stress disorder may have been the one harmed, or the harm may have happened to a loved one, or the person may have witnessed a harmful event to loved ones or strangers.
War veterans were the first to experience post traumatic stress disorder enough to bring this disorder to public attention. It can occur from a variety of traumatic incidents that include:
Mugging
\r Rape
\r Torture
\r Being kidnapped or held captive
\r Child abuse
\r Car accidents
\r Train wrecks
\r Plane crashes
\r Bombings
\r Natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes
People with post traumatic stress disorder may:
Become emotionally numb, especially in relation to people with whom they used to be close
\r Startle easily
\r Lose interest in things they used to enjoy
\r Have trouble feeling affectionate
\r Be irritable
\r Become more aggressive
\r Become violent
\r Avoid situations that remind them of the original incident
\r Anniversaries of the incident are often difficult
Post traumatic stress disorder symptoms may be worse if the event that triggered the symptoms was deliberately initiated by another person such as in a mugging or a kidnapping.
Most people with post traumatic stress disorder will relive the trauma in their thoughts during the day and in nightmares when they sleep repeatedly. These events are called \"flashbacks.\" A flashback can consist of:
Image
\r Sounds
\r Smells
\r Feelings
The flashbacks are often triggered by ordinary occurrences such as a sudden slam of a door or a car backfiring. The person experiencing a flashback may:
Suddenly lose touch with reality
\r And feel as though the traumatic incident is happening all over again
Does everyone who is traumatized develop full-blown or even minor post traumatic stress disorder?
The answer to this questions is \"no.\"
When do symptoms begin?
Symptoms will usually begin within 3 months of the incident, but on occasion, emerge years following the traumatic event
How long must a person experience the symptoms before it is classified as post traumatic stress disorder?
The symptoms must last more than a month
How long does the illness last?
The course of post traumatic stress disorder varies. Some people recover within 6 months. Other people have symptoms that last much longer. In some people, the condition becomes chronic.
How many American adults are affected by the disorder?
Approximately 7.7 million
Can the illness affect others besides adults?
Yes. Post traumatic stress disorder can occur at any age, including children. Women are more likely to develop the disorder than men.
\r There is some evidence that the disorder may run in families.\r Are there any other illnesses present?
\r Post traumatic stress syndrome is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or one or more of the other anxiety disorders.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.
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2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved
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