Audie Murphy, Veterans & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Back in World War Two, a strange phenomenon called 'Battle Fatigue' struck many veterans after their return home from combat zones in Europe and the Pacific. Most of them didn't talk about it; it seemed almost a taboo subject. For some, the alarming symptoms suggested weakness or, heaven forbid, cowardice, though the truth was far from it.

Upon his return to civilian life after receiving every military decoration America had to bestow on her brave warriors, young Audie Murphy began suffering the symptoms of the syndrome himself. Unlike others, however, he felt it was important for the public at large to know and understand what returning soldiers were going through and didn't feel at all uncomfortable talking about his own signs and symptoms.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as the syndrome is known today, was not widely understood from the 1940's through the 1970's, nor was it widely diagnosed, addressed or even treated. Today, after more recent involvements in the Middle East, and with American troops engaged in combat in Iraq, the term has grown more prevalent, but how much do we, the general public, know about this disorder? Can we recognize the symptoms in our own returning soldiers if we don't know what to look for?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a medical disorder that can occur in any individual after experiencing extremely stressful situations. Soldiers aren't the only ones to suffer from the syndrome; victims of natural disasters, attacks and accidents are also prone. According to a recent study by the Mayo Clinic, more than 5 million adults are stricken by the syndrome each year, and are twice as prevalent in women than in men.

PTSD is recognized by four major symptoms:

Re-experiencing the trauma via flashbacks, nightmares. Victims often react powerfully to situations or events that may trigger emotional and physical responses. Anniversaries of the event also provoke stressors.

Feelings of detachment, loss of interest in activities and lack of positive emotions. Victims often avoid thoughts or anything else associated with the trauma.

Avoiding activities, people and situations that may remind the victim of the trauma.

Difficulty sleeping, irritability, wariness and exaggerated responses to being startled.

While it's common for anyone to experience a range of emotions or feelings after a traumatic event, such symptoms should normally disappear after about a month. Early recognition of the syndrome is important, as PTSD can have long-lasting consequences for those who suffer its symptoms. Physiological changes affect neurobiological functions such as memory and fear-response reactions. Change in sleeping habits and ability to deal with any stress can be severely limited. Physical complaints can range from headaches to immune system disruption, asthma and chronic pain.

Psychological changes can also occur in those suffering from PTSD. Depression, both major depression episodes as well as a pervasive depression can set it. Growing anxiety, and eventually, even phobias or panic attacks can develop, as can behavioral changes in the victim. Eating disorders and sometimes increasing disassociation from others are also common results.

A victim of PTSD experiences increasing difficulty dealing with society as a whole, which may lead to self-destructive behavior. Low self-esteem, alcohol or drug abuse, difficulty maintaining personal relationships and employment add to the stress.

Every person deals with stress in different ways. Some will experience some symptoms of PTSD soon after the traumatic event, while others may not experience and signs of symptoms for months or years. Some never experience symptoms at all. Some experience only mild symptoms, from which they recover quickly, while others are laid low and suffer debilitating symptoms for years. There is no scientific way to measure how any specific individual will react to such stressful events, but some variables can certainly have an impact on how a victim will be able to deal with trauma.

1)To what extant the event was inescapable, i.e. Nature vs. War.
2) Extent of threat or danger, perceived fear, terror, or suffering.
3) Amount of emotional support available to the victim.
4) Present living conditions
5) Did trauma affect society as a whole or was it personal as in an attack?
6)Does the victim feel responsible for the trauma?
7)Mental stability of the victim prior to the trauma.

Treatment of PTSD can't begin until the syndrome is recognized. Many avoid professional help, believing that they'll get over it, or that they should be able to solve their own problems. Guilt, shame and embarrassment prevent many from seeking help. PTSD is mainly diagnosed after symptoms have been apparent for an extended period or time or are interfering with daily living activities. Diagnosis can be difficult, especially since symptoms may appear months or years after the trauma event. By that time, the victim's symptoms may not be recognized as PTSD, which is why it's so it's important to offer support and encouragement if you believe someone you know is suffering from PTSD.

PTSD is most commonly treated with psychotherapy, both cognitive and behavioral and using relaxation and meditation methods. Anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed to calm anxiety and stabilize moods while self-care treatments are learned.

Medications such as SSRI's (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are anti-depressants that act on the chemical serotonin, a neurotransmitter in your brain that helps cells send and receive messages. These SSRI's include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa and Effexor XR, for example, while tranquilizers such as Klonopin and Ativan may help decrease feelings of anxiety.

Coping with PTSD is difficult, but it can be done. Most importantly, follow instructions offered by your physician and don't expect immediate results. Try to eat and rest. Avoid ingesting caffeine or nicotine, which can increase a sense of anxiety, and try to avoid alcohol or illegal drugs as a relief from symptoms. Most importantly, find someone to talk to. Share your feelings and problems with a friend, someone in your family, or a local support group.

No one suffering from PTSD should have to deal with it alone. There are millions of other people out there with the same issues.

Information about finding treatment for PTSD can be accessed through the National Center for PTSD - the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, among other sources.