Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is a reaction to a traumatic event. Suffering through or witnessing the event causes symptoms of fear, terror, and powerlessness. Avoiding situations or thoughts that are a reminder of the trauma is common. Conversations and activities that could trigger a memory are also avoided.
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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Challenge America answeredThe tracking of cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is usually done by specific conflict. For example, it is known that more than half of all Vietnam veterans (approximately 1.7 million) have had some PTSD symptoms. Studies of Persian Gulf veterans’ mental health estimated anywhere from 9% to 24% as suffering from PTSD. Thus far, in the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is believed that about 12.5% of soldiers have had PTSD after deployment. Bear in mind that many cases of PTSD go unreported. -
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Sigma Nursing answeredSee All 2 AnswersYes. 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. -
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Challenge America answeredPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is sometimes described as a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. The emotions you feel immediately after a traumatic event are normal; it would be impossible not to have a response of some kind to a trauma. When the emotions or reactions continue long after the event is over, it is considered PTSD. Unfortunately, there is a stigma associated with PTSD due to misunderstanding of the condition. People may assume that sufferers of PTSD are weak-minded, or violent and dangerous. Fear of this stigma can prevent a veteran with PTSD from seeking help for his/her condition.
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Challenge America answeredThere is disagreement on the subject of whether or not post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be “cured.” The consensus seems to be that, in any case, treatment can help with the management of symptoms. For some veterans the symptoms of PTSD disappear over time, while in others they persist for many years. Early treatment appears to have the most success. It is important to be patient with the treatment, and not expect it to eliminate all the symptoms and after-effects of the disorder in a short period of time. About 1 in 3 sufferers of PTSD will continue to have some symptoms throughout their lives, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Challenge America answeredThere are still a lot of myths and misunderstanding about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans with PTSD often worry about what others think of them, fear that they may be seen as weak, and may be concerned about the impact of a PTSD diagnosis on their military career. Because of these concerns, not enough veterans with PTSD are getting the help they need to overcome the disorder and its stigma, and go on to productive lives. Mental health problems have many causes, and even the strongest and bravest among us can suffer psychological injury. Fortunately, as the condition becomes better understood, there are more resources for dealing with it, and more acknowledgement of PTSD in the military.
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Challenge America answeredSee All 6 AnswersNot everyone has experience in communicating with people with disabilities. Please remember that appropriate etiquette is based primarily upon consideration and respect.
Below are some general suggestions for communication and things to keep in mind when interacting with those with combat-related injuries, such a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
It is important to relax and treat the individual with dignity and respect. Be sure to listen to the individual and treat adults as adults. Do not be afraid to ask questions when you cannot understand or when you are unsure of what to do.
Tips for communicating with people with TBI include:- Be prepared to repeat what you say, as some people may have short-term memory deficits.
- Be patient and supportive. Take the time to understand the individual and be sure they understand you.
- Try to avoid interrupting the person.
- If you are in a busy public place, consider moving to a quieter location, as some people with TBI may have difficulty concentrating and focusing.
- Focus on short-term goals.
- Try to minimize high-pressure situations.
- Be patient and avoid interrupting the person.
- Find out what makes the person most comfortable.
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Challenge America answeredSee All 2 AnswersAny traumatic or life-threatening event can lead to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For instance, if a blast or explosion during combat resulted in a third-degree burn or worse, this could easily lead to PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the trauma or experience, feeling detached, and having constant anxiety or hyperarousal and sleep problems. Many people with PTSD suffer with depression, relationship problems, and drug or alcohol abuse. There is no laboratory test for PTSD, so talking with your doctor about your feelings is extremely important in getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Veterans with PTSD have been helped with a combination of medications, cognitive processing therapy, virtual reality, and memory aids. Other interventions such as occupational therapy may be useful as well as counseling for substance abuse, if needed. -
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Challenge America answeredThere can be a tendency in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to “self-medicate” with alcohol or drugs, to help them temporarily forget the pain of the trauma. It is not unusual for PTSD sufferers to show poor control over their impulses, and engage in risky or self-destructive behaviors.
Alcohol abuse and PTSD often go together; either because veterans who already had a history of alcohol abuse are more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event, or because PTSD leads veterans to abuse alcohol to dull their symptoms. PTSD symptoms can actually be made worse by alcohol use, and the treatment for PTSD is less effective when the patient abuses alcohol. Older veterans with PTSD are at higher risk for suicide if they also have problems with alcohol use. Using drugs and alcohol may alter your brain chemistry, and make you more susceptible to PTSD. -
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Challenge America answeredYes. Veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may find it contributes to or causes other disorders such as depression. According to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, depression is three to five times more likely to occur in someone with PTSD than in the general population. The painful feelings that come from a traumatic event -- grief, anger, fear, “survivor’s guilt” -- are difficult for a PTSD sufferer to work through, and depression can be the result. Depression has overlapping symptoms with PTSD, such as inability to focus, alienation from other people, and irritability.