The national Institute of mental health states that post traumatic stress disorder is one of the five most recognized types of mental disorders. PTSD was originally identified as a post war syndrome due to the number of returning military veterans having this condition. It's interesting that many mental health care professionals consider stress disorder, an illness, condition or disorder at all. It seems that if a person who had experienced a very disturbing, unsettling or emotional event was NOT affected by it, they should be considered the one with a mental disorder.
Post traumatic stress is associated with experiencing a potentially life-threatening situation, either directly or by proxy. A good example of this is the collective traumatic stress experienced by the United States Just after the World Trade Center Bombing. The people inside the buildings were naturally affected. PTSD however, expanded out and affected not only the whole city of New York, but many people throughout the country Stress disorder can be characterized as an emotional roller coaster. The fear and shell shock feeling a just going through a significant life threatening event can be devastating. These events may include being directly in a physically dangerous situation, such as a fire, automobile accident is or even natural disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane.
Other situations such as physical assault, rape, mugging, threats in your life, along with personal property assault such as thefts and breaking into your home can all lead to posttraumatic stress. Moving on with your life is very difficult while under the influence of traumatic stress. This is made even more difficult as many who suffer from PTSD may not have directly experienced the emotional situation. Simply watching the devastation of a natural event such as a hurricane can loosen the emotional tethers for many. The realization that situations happen that have The possibility of affecting your survival or that of your loved ones can be difficult to balance against the rarity of the situation.
There are several treatment methods used to help control posttraumatic stress. Most PTSD sufferers regained their emotional equilibrium over time. Some however, may need ongoing cognitive therapy, counseling and even medication to continue to be able to complete life's daily routines. Although far from being just a condition limited to returning war veterans, posttraumatic stress disorder is a growing problem in our modern-day world. If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from PTSD, get professional psychological help.
About the AuthorWant to Take Back Control of Your Life from Worry(R) Check out another article on a Natural Remedy For Anxiety by Abbie Franks. She also writes about the subject of Depression.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
8 Signs of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
by Mike Shery
All people experience stressful events which can affect them emotionally and physically. Our reactions to stress are usually brief, and most of us recover without any further problems. However, if you have experienced a catastrophic event, you may find that you have developed signs of ongoing problems, known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In PTSD, the stressful or traumatic event may have involved a situation where your life may have been threatened, severe injury had occurred or you may have been the victim of or a witness to physical abuse, sexual abuse or a particularly violent act. Or, you may have been involved in a life-threatening automobile accident or natural disaster or perhaps you were diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
Your risk of developing PTSD is related to the traumas seriousness, whether it has been repeated and your proximity to it. You may initially show agitated, anxious or confused behavior. You also may have experienced intense fear, feelings of helplessness, anger, sadness, or revulsion, horror or denial.
If you have experienced repeated trauma, you may have developed a sense of emotional numbing which serves to deaden or block the pain of the trauma. This is called dissociation and you may find yourself avoiding situations or places that remind you of it.
All people experience stressful events which can affect them emotionally and physically. Our reactions to stress are usually brief, and most of us recover without any further problems. However, if you have experienced a catastrophic event, you may find that you have developed signs of ongoing problems, known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In PTSD, the stressful or traumatic event may have involved a situation where your life may have been threatened, severe injury had occurred or you may have been the victim of or a witness to physical abuse, sexual abuse or a particularly violent act. Or, you may have been involved in a life-threatening automobile accident or natural disaster or perhaps you were diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
Your risk of developing PTSD is related to the traumas seriousness, whether it has been repeated and your proximity to it. You may initially show agitated, anxious or confused behavior. You also may have experienced intense fear, feelings of helplessness, anger, sadness, or revulsion, horror or denial.
If you have experienced repeated trauma, you may have developed a sense of emotional numbing which serves to deaden or block the pain of the trauma. This is called dissociation and you may find yourself avoiding situations or places that remind you of it.
You may also have become less responsive emotionally, depressed, withdrawn or more detached from your feelings. It is also possible that you could emotionally re-experience the traumatic event by:
Having frequent memories of it or dreams in which some, or the entire trauma is repeated over and over,
Having upsetting and frightening thoughts that will not go away,
When reminded of the event, you may experience the same physical or emotional symptoms. If afflicted with PTSD you may also show the following:
Anxiety about dying at an early age,
A loss of interest in activities,
Physical symptoms, such as headaches or backaches,
The displaying of emotional reactions that are more sudden and extreme,
Problems falling or staying asleep,
Irritability or angry outbursts,
Problems concentrating or focusing,
Signs of hyper vigilance meant to prevent the occurrence of other dangerous events,
Or, the repeating of behaviors that reminds you of the trauma.
Symptoms of PTSD may last from several months to many years. The best approach is prevention of the trauma. However, once it has occurred, early intervention is essential.
Support from family is important and emphasis needs to be placed upon establishing feelings of safety. Psychotherapy (individual, group, or family) which allows you to speak or write about the trauma is helpful.
Behavior modification techniques and cognitive therapy may help reduce your fears and anxieties. Medication may also be useful to deal with any agitation, anxiety, or depression you may experience.
Clinical psychologists can be very helpful in diagnosing and treating PTSD. With the sensitivity and support of families and professionals, you can learn to cope with the memories of the trauma and go on to lead a normal life.
Dr Shery is in Cary, IL, near Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Marengo and
Lake-in-the-Hills. He's an expert psychologist. Call 1 847 516 0899 and make an
appt or learn more about counseling at: http://www.carypsychology.com
Friday, February 29, 2008
What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. It is a severe and ongoing emotional reaction to an extreme psychological trauma.
This stressor may involve someone's actual death or a threat to the patient's or someone else's life, serious physical injury, or threat to physical and/or psychological integrity, to a degree that usual psychological defenses are incapable of coping.
PTSD is a condition distinct from Traumatic stress, which is a similar condition, but of less intensity and duration. The condition has also been known historically or colloquially as shell shock, traumatic war neurosis, or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS).
This stressor may involve someone's actual death or a threat to the patient's or someone else's life, serious physical injury, or threat to physical and/or psychological integrity, to a degree that usual psychological defenses are incapable of coping.
PTSD is a condition distinct from Traumatic stress, which is a similar condition, but of less intensity and duration. The condition has also been known historically or colloquially as shell shock, traumatic war neurosis, or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS).
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