Yes. Although in the past post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has often been misunderstood or misdiagnosed, a trained mental health professional should be able make an accurate diagnosis of the condition. PTSD has very specific and identifiable symptoms. (short list of questions) that will indicate whether or not they should be formally evaluated by a psychiatrist or clinical social worker. Do not be tempted to self-diagnose, or to diagnose others, because you think you are seeing symptoms of PTSD. Even a positive screen for PTSD may not mean that you have the condition. It may only mean you need to be assessed further by a mental health professional.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Constantly re-living a traumatic event, war, traumatic accident, abuse is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. It can cause severe depression and anxiety for many years after the initial event. If you have flashbacks, episodes of anger, nightmares, get help. Medications and talk therapy can help you find peace.
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See All 6 AnswersMost of the time, it is best to talk to someone with a brain injury just like any other person. Many people with brain injuries have very functional lives, and their ability to understand speech and talk with other people is completely normal. However, in very severe brain injuries, people may have difficulty understanding speech or talking to people, and in those cases, it is best to treat them as any normal person until you understand their deficits. -
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Dominion Hospital answeredDiagnosis of PTSD begins with an evaluation of your symptoms. The requirements for diagnosis of PTSD are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). If your symptoms are severe and last longer than a month, discuss them with a health care professional. Getting treatment as soon as possible can help PTSD symptoms from escalating.
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Dominion Hospital answered
It is estimated that eight percent of the population will go through some signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. The symptoms typically appear three months after the event but it has been known to appear years later. Women are four times more prone to experience PTSD as they are more susceptible to a traumatic sexual event.
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Dominion Hospital answered
Caring for someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be emotionally taxing. Counseling can benefit the entire family of someone with post-traumatic stress disorder. As a caregiver, joining a support group can make a difference as the group provides mutual understanding, information, and practical suggestions. Taking time for yourself and your mental health is just as important in caring for someone with PTSD.
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Pam Hays , Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, answeredSee All 2 AnswersResiliency Training is being researched as a way to prevent post-traumatic stress. The Army has initiated a program for all of its troops that will train them in resiliency. The training, the first of its kind in the military, is meant to improve performance in combat and head off the mental health problems, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide, that affect about one-fifth of troops returning from Afghanistan. Though there has been no direct research conducted on soldiers to see if such a program will be beneficial, other research in this area suggests that by teaching people some of these basic psychological coping skills, a person will be better positioned to deal with stress and stressful situations in a more positive manner. The Army is also going to track the results of this program, in time providing them with some hard data about its effectiveness.
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Dominion Hospital answered
Serious problems in behavior can result if post-traumatic stress disorder is left untreated. Symptoms can worsen and mental health can decline. The affected person can become harmful to themselves or others. If treatments with counseling and medical therapy are used, signs and symptoms can be alleviated.
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Dominion Hospital answered
If you experience disturbing feelings and emotions for a month or longer, an appointment with a doctor can help with a diagnosis. The doctor can explain terms that can help you understand the disorder and can make recommendations for treatment or a specialist. Write down any symptoms you have been having and for how long. Provide information about any family history of mental disorders or depression. A list of medications you are taking, even over-the-counter, will assist the doctor in treatment. If you are thinking of harming yourself or others, seek emergency care.
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Dominion Hospital answered
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), first formally diagnosed in returning soldiers of the Vietnam War, is a disorder that may develop after acute emotional trauma and traumatic stress. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks and nightmares which cause you to relive in your mind the emotionally traumatic incident. People with PTSD often cannot stop the cycle of thinking about what has happened to them.
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Post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological examination. During the evaluation, a mental health professional may ask you to describe symptoms, the intensity of the symptoms, when they occur, and the history leading to the onset of the symptoms. A diagnosis of post-traumatic stress must meet some of the criteria of the illness described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The criteria includes
- Experienced an event like a death or injury resulting in intense fear or hopelessness;
- Disturbing flashbacks, dreams, or physical reaction of the event;
- A sensation of heightened alertness to signs of danger;
- Trouble concentrating or sleeping;
- A sense of emotional numbness following the event; or
- Symptoms interfere with normal life activities and continue for longer than one month.