Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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• QHow common is depression in people with post-traumatic stress disorder?

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  A International Bipolar Foundation answered

  Depression is commonly found in people diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression occurred in 40% of PTSD patients one to four months after the event. The good news is that both PTSD and depression respond well to medical and talk therapy treatment, particularly if they are caught early.

  Studies show that trauma can change the actual chemistry in the brain. In fact, a severe external event can bring on depression. Further, any previous trauma you've experienced can impact (worsen) your current reaction.

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• QWhat is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

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  A Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered

  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.

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• QHow many veterans in the U.S. have post-traumatic stress disorder?

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  A Challenge America answered

  The 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.
• QCan post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) be reliably diagnosed?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  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.

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• QIs post-traumatic stress disorder normal after combat experience?

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  A Challenge America answered

  Post-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.
• QIs post-traumatic stress disorder a permanent condition?

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  A Challenge America answered

  There 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.
• QIf I am diagnosed with PTSD, will it hurt my military career?

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  A Challenge America answered

  There 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.
• QHow should I talk to someone with brain injury or PTSD?

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  A Challenge America answered

  Not 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.

  Tips for communicating with people with PTSD include:

  • 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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• QCould I have post traumatic stress disorder with a severe burn injury?

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  A Challenge America answered

  Any 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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• QIs a veteran with PTSD more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol?

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  A Challenge America answered

  There 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.