Post traumatic stress disorder, otherwise known as PTSD, is a disorder that commonly affects people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, wartime combat, rape, murder or torture. Post traumatic stress disorder is characterised by flashbacks and nightmares, as well as avoidance of places that might serve as a reminder of the the event.
PTSD symptoms can vary from quite mild to very severe. In severe cases, the disorder will affect nearly every aspect of the person’s life. Post traumatic stress disorder sufferers tend to be irritable, anxious, fatigued, forgetful and socially withdrawn.
Facts About Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The following is an overview of the manifestations and effects of PTSD:
- People who survive a catastrophe or accident that has led to the death of others may experience something called survivor’s guilt.
- People with post traumatic stress disorder may become hyper-vigilant and easily startled.
- There are two types of PTSD: acute and chronic. Acute PTSD is diagnosed if symptoms disappear within 6 months. Chronic PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms begin later and persist for a longer period of time.
- In approximately half of all cases of post traumatic stress disorder, the symptoms will improve within six months.
- Women are more likely to be affected by PTSD than men, even though most people associate post traumatic stress disorder with people who have been involved in wartime conflicts.
- People with post traumatic stress disorder have an increased risk of developing other anxiety, mood and substance-related disorders, particularly alcohol abuse.
Causes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Quite obviously, the traumatic event is the trigger for post traumatic stress disorder. Some people, however, seem to have a biochemical predisposition to the disorder. One theory is that the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor response that inhibits stress-induced release of norepinephrine is impaired in people with post traumatic stress disorder.
There are a number of risk factors for developing PTSD:
- Limited social supports;
- High anxiety levels;
- Low self esteem;
- Neurotic tendencies; and
- A history of mental health disorders.
Pre-existing psychopathology can predispose people to developing post traumatic stress disorder, but it should be remembered that anyone can develop the disorder, particularly if the stressor is extreme.
Signs and Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
There are a number of signs and symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder including:
- Anger;
- Impulsivity/poor impulse control;
- Chronic anxiety and tension;
- Avoidance of people, places and things associated with the traumatic experience;
- Emotional detachment;
- Numbness;
- Depersonalisation;
- Difficultly concentrating;
- Difficulty falling asleep;
- Hyper-alertness;
- Exaggerated startle reflex;
- Social withdrawal;
- Decreased self-esteem;
- Hopelessness;
- Relationship problems;
- Survivor’s guilt; and
- Inability to recall details of the traumatic event.
Although someone with post traumatic stress disorder may be unable to recall very specific aspects of the event that triggered the disorder, they may “remember” it in the form of flashbacks and nightmares.
Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Treatment for post traumatic stress disorder is usually a combination of therapy and medication. Therapy can include interceptive exposure, desensitisation, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.
Individual psychotherapy gives someone suffering from PTSD a chance to talk through the traumatic experience with a non-threatening person, helping them to gain some perspective on the experience. Group therapy can also help people suffering with PTSD.
Doctors may prescribe an SSRI antidepressant such as paroxetine to relive the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is Not Just a Combat-Related Disorder
Many people think that post traumatic stress disorder is predominantly a combat-related stress disorder, but in reality, women are more likely to suffer from the disorder. It can be a severely debilitating disorder that in severe cases can affect all aspects of a person’s life.
Sources:
Evans, D and Allen, H (2009), Mental Health Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, London, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.
Martine Daniel - Hi There! I've always loved writing, and I was delighted in March 2009 when my first novel, The Fire in Your Eyes, was published, ...
Join the Conversation