Information About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder is an emotional illness that can occur after any traumatic event in a person's life. It can be something that is extremely frightening, life threatening, or any other event that can result in tragedy or loss. People who go off to fight in a war, experience a natural disaster, or lose a loved one unexpectedly often suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. It is believed that 7-8 percent of people in the United States are likely to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder at some point in their life. It is estimated that at any given time, 5 million people in the United States are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Women are twice as likely to suffer from it than men.

People suffering from post traumatic stress disorder often relive their traumatic experiences in some way. They may see or hear something that reminds them of the experience, causing them to relive it in their own mind. Because of this, many of these people will avoid people, places, and things that may trigger the memory. They are also extremely sensitive to every day normal experiences. Those who are exposed to a traumatic experience for a prolonged period of time, or exposed to several traumatic experiences in a short amount of time are said to be suffering from complex post traumatic stress disorder. This usually causes a person to have long-lasting problems including trouble with emotional functions and social functions. They may pull away from people all together and become very reclusive. They may blame themselves for their experiences.

Post traumatic stress disorder can not only effect the person suffering, but it can also effect those that they love. It can cause problems in relationships, families, and they way they function within those important parts of life. They are more likely to have more medical problems, and trouble with fertility. Emotionally, these people may struggle greatly to achieve positive outcomes from mental-health treatments

Things that may put people in higher risk of getting post traumatic stress disorder include being in an environment that for a long period of time that can cause great illness or injury, having an emotional disorder prior to a traumatic event, having little support from family and friends, being exposed to war or a natural disaster, or being the victim of a violent act, such as rape. Any person who lives in a violent environment, women, children, and adolescents, as well as those with a learning disorder, are all at higher risk of developing post traumatic stress disorder.

One way to help combat post traumatic stress disorder is to be prepared in case of a natural disaster. Training in what to do when a disaster strikes, how to stay safe, and who and where to go for help, can all help prevent post traumatic stress disorder. Going through physical training may help police, firefighters, doctors, paramedics, and other professionals experience post traumatic stress disorder less too.

Signs and symptoms to look for if you believe that someone may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder are, recurrent experiences of reliving a traumatic event, these may come about as flashbacks, bad memories, usually brought on by some reminder of the event. Those suffering may also experience recurring nightmares about the traumatizing event. You may notice a person who is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder may avoid people, places and things to the point of actually fearing them, these phobias happen because the things that are being avoided often trigger memories of the traumatic events. Sleep problems, trouble concentrating, irritability, anger, blackouts, memory problems, and an increase of being startled easily are also signs and symptoms that someone may be suffering.

Treatment for post traumatic stress disorder may include both medication and psychological treatment. Helping the person suffering understand what is going on and getting them to actively participate in their treatment are very important in helping them to recover. Many times, these people feel weak due to this disorder and have trouble understanding that it is extreme stress, not weakness causing the problem. Teaching them how to manage their symptoms is key to recovery. Talking to counselors can really help.

Along with regular counseling, medications are often prescribed to help the person manage depression, and to sleep better. The use of antidepressants in a person's treatment program for at least a year greatly reduces the chance of relapse.

Post traumatic stress disorder is one that can be hard to diagnose. Many times, the sufferer does not seek help for the disorder itself, but rather a different illness. It takes time for a doctor to properly diagnose this disorder. They must look at other mental disorders as well because often times, post traumatic stress disorder and other mental problems, such as depression and eating disorders go hand-in-hand..

If you think that you or someone close to you may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, help should be sought quickly. The sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin, and life can return to a more normal state.