PTSD

PTSD
(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Once referred to as "shell shock" or "battle fatigue," post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) doesn't just affect veterans of combat. PTSD also affects survivors of assault, airplane crashes and even car accidents. Symptoms may show up a few months to many years after a traumatic event.

• Having flashbacks, nightmares, bad memories or hallucinations
• Trying not to think about the trauma or staying away from people who remind you of it
• Not being able to recall parts of the event
• Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others
• Having trouble sleeping
• Being irritable, angry or jumpy
• Distress at anniversaries of the trauma.
• Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings and activities associated with the trauma.
• Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others and an inability to have loving feelings.
• Markedly diminished interest or participation in activities that once were an important source of satisfaction.
• In young children, delayed or developmental retrogression in such areas as toilet training, motor skills and language.
• Hopelessness about the future - no hope of a family life, career or living to old age.
• Physical and psychological hypersensitivity - not present before the trauma - with at least two of the following reactions: trouble sleeping, anger, difficulty concentrating, exaggerated startle response to noise, and physiological reaction to situations that remind you of the traumatic event. These physiological reactions may include an increase in blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, nausea and diarrhea.

People with PTSD are often be depressed. Sometimes they try to feel better by using alcohol or drugs. This can lead to substance abuse and addiction. Flashbacks and distressing dreams associated with the traumatic event. There are many different responses to crisis. Most survivors have intense feelings after a traumatic event but recover from the trauma; others have more difficulty recovering, especially those who have had previous traumatic experiences, who are faced with ongoing stress, or who lack support from friends and family, and will need additional help.

Consequences

• neurobiological changes (alterations in brainwave activity, in size of brain structures, and in functioning of processes such as memory and fear response)
• psychophysiological changes (hyper-arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, increased startle, sleep disturbances, increased neurohormonal changes that result in heightened stress and increased depression)
• physical complaints that are often treated symptomatically, rather than as indications of PTSD (headaches, stomach or digestive problems, immune system problems, asthma or breathing problems, dizziness, chest pain, chronic pain or fibromyalgia)

Psychological outcomes

• depression (major depressive episodes, or pervasive depression)
• other anxiety disorders (such as phobias, panic, and social anxiety)
• conduct disorders
• dissociation ("splitting off" from the present, and into parts of the self)
• eating disorders

Social outcomes

• interpersonal problems
• low self esteem
• alcohol and substance use
• employment problems
• homelessness
• trouble with the law

Self-destructive behaviors

• substance abuse
• suicidal attempts
• risky sexual behaviors leading to unplanned pregnancy or STDs, including HIV
• reckless driving
• self-injury

Hyperarousal

• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Heightened vigilance
• Easily startling
• Being wary
• Sudden tears or anger or panic
• Increased alertness and anxiety

Body

• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Headaches
• Allergy symptoms
• Menstrual problems

"A panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming fear that comes without warning and without any obvious reason. It is far more intense than the feeling of being 'stressed out' that most people experience."

Source: American Psychological Association

There are also a number of physical disorders and problems that commonly co-occur with panic disorder, including:

• Irritable bowel syndrome, a disorder characterized by stomach cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Mitral valve prolapse, a minor cardiac problem that occurs when one of the heart’s valves doesn't close correctly.
• Chronic fatigue.

PTSD can be treated with with psychotherapy ('talk' therapy) and medicines such as antidepressants. Early treatment is important and may help reduce long-term symptoms. Unfortunately, many people do not know that they have PTSD or do not seek treatment. This fact sheet will help you to better understand PTSD and the how it can be treated.

Arousal Symptoms

People with PTSD may feel constantly alert after the traumatic event. This is known as increased emotional arousal, and it can cause difficulty sleeping, outbursts of anger or irritability, and difficulty concentrating. They may find that they are constantly 'on guard' and on the lookout for signs of danger. They may also find that they get startled.

Some instances of one-time trauma:

• natural disasters (earthquake, flood, hurricane, etc)
• rape
• assault
• muggings
• robbery
• accidents (automobile, airplane, train, etc)
• fires

Some instances of prolonged trauma:

• physical or sexual abuse as a child or spouse
• war
• life in a prison camp
• life as a refugee
• hostage situations
• life in a concentration camp
• life in some religious cults

How Is PTSD Treated?

Unfortunately PTSD often doesn't just go away on its own. Without treatment, some symptoms of PTSD can last for months or years, or they may come and go in waves. The right treatment and support, however, can help people of all ages to recover from PTSD.

Mental health professionals (such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors) who specialize in treating anxiety problems are usually experienced in working with people who have PTSD. Therphy for PTSD may involve gradually talking it through in a safe environment and learning coping skills that help a person relieve anxiety, fear, or panic. These include relaxation techniques that help people with PTSD reset their stress response and techniques to resolve other problems, such as sleeping difficulties. Sometimes medications can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, panic, or depression in certain people.

Sources

American Psychological Association
site http://www.revolutionhealth.com
site http://www.kidshealth.org
site http://familydoctor.org/
site http://www.helpguide.org
site http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/trauma.html
site http://www.ncptsd.va.gov

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