PTSD is the abbreviation for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a difficult to diagnose illness seen in people who experience a tragic, unexpected event or consistent exposure to realities of combat.  It is important to be diagnosed and begin treatment as quickly as possible to prevent symptoms from spiraling out of control.

 

 

Symptoms of PTSD

 

Each person experiences this disorder differently.  However, everyone has something in common: PTSD affects the body both physically and emotionally.  Physical symptoms may be easier to treat because the psychological impact is difficult to determine and must be assessed before emotional treatment can commence.

 

Signs and symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder vary from one person to the next and will usually show up within the first three months after the trigger event.  In a few isolated instances signs and symptoms might not emerge until years later.

 

The normal course for PTSD is that it will appear within three months of the traumatizing trigger event.  The most common signs that are used to diagnose PTSD include:

 

ü     Reliving the event or ordeal through flashbacks, nightmares and/or hallucinations

ü     Acting emotionally numb

ü     Displaying anger or irritability, usually without provocation

ü     Engaging in self-destructive behavior: drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling and others

ü     Showing an inability to function in meaningful relationships

ü     Avoiding people or places that serve as reminders of the trauma

ü     Demonstrating a loss of interest in events or activities once enjoyed

ü     Expressing extreme emotions

ü     Having difficulty showing affection

ü     Inability to focus and concentrate

ü     Exhibiting a very sensitive “startle” reaction

 

There are also some telltale physical symptoms that are present in PTSD patients, such as: high blood pressure, a racing heartbeat, rapid breathing, frequent diarrhea or nausea and muscle spasticity are commonly seen in cases of post traumatic stress disorder.  The same symptoms can be seen in civilians who do not suffer from PTSD but do suffer from panic attacks or anxiety disorders. 

 

 

At-Risk Factors For PTSD

 

Over the years, researchers have identified some possible factors that may contribute to  post traumatic stress disorder and those who might avoid it. 

PTSD may involve a mix of several factors that predispose its development:

 

ü     Heredity (genetics)

ü     Personality (psychological)

ü     Hormones (chemical changes in the brain)

ü     Life Experiences (socialization skills and coping mechanisms)

 

Post traumatic stress disorder is more common among adults because they have accumulated more life experiences – although learned behaviors at a young age will be a contributing factor to the types of reactions experienced as an adult.

 

Repeated exposure to highly emotional, horrific or tragic events increases the odds of becoming a PTSD patient.  Some occupations expose personnel to high stress levels because of the numerous times they are exposed to highly emotional events. They include: firefighters, search and rescue teams, police and first responders.  Almost 5 million adults in the United States have PTSD in any given year.

 

Among civilians, victims of rape, robbery, assault, torture, kidnapping, abuse (physical, mental or sexual), kidnapping, terrorist attacks and car accidents are the most likely experiences to trigger post traumatic stress disorder.  Researchers also found that the earlier the disorder is identified and treated, the less likely it is to seriously impact the life of its victim.

 

 

Treating PTSD

 

PTSD is not an easy disorder to identify.  Physicians need to diagnose the physical symptoms first. The treatment might also involve alcohol or substance abuse, depression and anxiety attacks.  Reducing anxiety brings a degree of peace to the mind and this allows the physician to address the other self-destructive behaviors.

 

Antidepressants, such as Prozac (fluoxetine), have effectively relieved most anxiety attacks. Sedatives help with sleep disturbances. Rarely does a physician resort to anxiety reducers which are addictive.  Whatever course is chosen to calm the post traumatic stress patient, it must be monitored by a doctor to avoid side effects.

 

“Talk therapy” helps to complete the process of grief.  It can reduce intensity of PTSD symptoms in the patient by recalling the trigger event as closely as possible. When the patient identifies and expresses feelings, facts and emotions, a sense of control begins to take over the psyche.  The mourning process can be brought to a close when the patient has the opportunity to grieve and be soothed.

 

Some people might find support groups helpful.  It is important to realize that others with the same circumstances will be in attendance.  It is easy to get caught up in others problems and experiences.  Stacking their problems on your shoulders may only serve to complicate matters.  A vulnerable personality might not improve in this environment.  Individual therapy/counseling may be a better option.

 

 

PTSD Prevention

 

Post traumatic stress disorder does not affect everyone who witnesses or assists at the scene of an horrific event.  There is no vaccine to protect against it.  There are no blood tests to help identify it.

 

The best outcome relies on speed – early onset of symptoms, immediate diagnosis and effective treatment.  Researchers indicate that expert attention to both medical and mental/emotional issues very soon after the trigger event helps to lighten the severity of symptoms that could develop later.

 

It is doubtful that anyone would ever be able to prevent PTSD entirely because it is a perfectly normal reaction to an abnormally tragic event.