Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Who it Affects and How it Affects Them

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) it has been in the news recently as many of our troops in Iraq have been affected by it. It also was in the news following the days and months after 9/11, which hit many of us, very hard. PTSD can happen to anyone at anytime following a traumatic event. The traumatic event does not have to be as large as 9/11 or war. This article will inform you more about the disorder known as PTSD.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that a person may develop after experiencing or witnessing an extreme, overwhelming traumatic event during which they felt intense fear, helplessness, or horror. It is characterized by persistent frightening thoughts and memories of the ordeal.

War veterans first brought the condition to the public attention. PTSD is also referred to as shell shock or battle fatigue (when describing the disorder in combat veterans) and as post rape syndrome. The symptoms of PTSD may interfere with a person's ability to work or socialize.

Traumatic events can include:
· Child abuse or domestic abuse
· Violent attacks, such as rape, mugging, or torture
· Threats of violence or verbal abuse, such as bullying
· Disasters, both nature and man made
· Being kidnapped or held hostage
· Accidents
· Military combat

Types of PTSD
There are three types of PTSD: acute, chronic and delayed onset.
· Acute PTSD symptoms last less than three months
· Chronic PTSD symptoms last three months or more.
· Delayed onset PTSD symptoms first appear at least 6 months after the traumatic event.

Symptoms of PTSD
A person with PTSD may have the following symptoms:
· Recurrent and upsetting memories about the trauma
· Flashbacks, feelings of reliving the traumatic event
· Nightmares about the trauma
· Avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event, including places, people, activities, thought, feelings, and conversations.
· Difficulty remembering important aspects of the trauma
· Difficulty concentrating
· Irritable and angry outbursts
· Difficulty sleeping
· Being easily startled
· Feelings of emotional numbness
· Less interests in usual activities
· Guilt about the others who were hurt or died during trauma
· Feelings of distance from other people or inability to show affection and love

If you have one or even a few of these symptoms, you do not necessarily have PTSD. Generally, a diagnosis of PTSD is made if the symptoms last more than one month. Not everyone that is involved or witnesses a trauma will develop PTSD. A person with PTSD is at risk for developing other mental health disorders such as panic disorder, phobias, major depressive disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Facts about PTSD
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), PTSD can affect society in the following ways:
· About 5.2 million American adults have PTSD
· More women than men have PTSD
· PTSD may occur at any age, even childhood
· Risk for PTSD may run in families

How PTSD is treated
The two most common treatments for PTSD are therapy and medications. Anyone who has experienced a traumatic event should talk to a professional in the mental health field as soon as possible after the event to possibly prevent the occurrence of PTSD. As with other anxiety disorders, early treatment is important. All symptoms should be discussed with a qualified health or mental health professional to be able to plan the appropriate treatment course.