understanding ptsd
what is ptsd?
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a traumatic event in a person’s life.
- These events can be frightening, distressing, or may be prolonged experiences.
- PTSD may be linked to the body’s flight-or-fight response.
- Individuals with PTSD symptoms often find it difficult to move on from the traumatic experience.
- Veterans are particularly susceptible to PTSD.
common cause of ptsd:
Car collisions or other accidents that cause severe injuries
Prolonged abuse or neglect
Physical violence
Loss of a close family member or friend
Witnessing violent deaths
Military combat
Diagnosis of a serious medical condition
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD and When Do They Appear?
PTSD can manifest differently depending on the individual.
The condition could show up within months after the trauma, or it may not develop for years.
Symptoms develop in four categories:
- 1. Re-experiencing symptoms
- Flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Nightmares
- Frightening thoughts
- 2. Avoidance symptoms
- Avoiding situations that are associated with the traumatic experience
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings
- connected to the trauma
- 3. Arousal and reactivity symptoms
- Feeling tense
- Startling easily
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sudden angry outbursts
- 4. Cognition and mood symptoms:
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Negative thoughts about the world or oneself
- Feelings of guilt or blame
- Difficulty remembering key elements of the traumatic event
- 5. Additionally, children may manifest different symptoms, such as:
- Wetting the bed
- Reenacting the trauma in play
- Becoming unusually clingy with parents
- Regressing, such as forgetting how to speak
Who Has PTSD? What Percentage Are Vets?
-
70%
of people in America will go through a traumatic event that could cause PTSD.
-
Approximately 8%
of people who experience trauma will develop PTSD at some point in their lives.
-
More than 60%
of children will witness a traumatic event.
-
Women
are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD.
-
Up to 20%
of people who experience trauma will develop PTSD at some point in their lives.
-
10-20%
of veterans may suffer from PTSD.
-
3.5%
of people in the U.S. have PTSD in any given year.
PTSD Treatment Usually Involves Two Primary Options
PTSD can manifest differently depending on the individual.
The condition could show up within months after the trauma, or it may not develop for years.
Symptoms develop in four categories:
-
Medication:
Anti-depressants are often used to treat emotional symptoms.
-
Psychotherapy
Also called “talk therapy,” this can improve relaxation, sleep and diet. It can help people with PTSD face feelings of guilt and blame, and overcome associations with the trauma.
- Not every individual with PTSD responds the same to treatment, so treatment has to be individualized.
- Treatment could take as little as a few months, but 30% of those with PTSD will struggle with the condition for life.
Misconceptions about PTSD
-
Misconception:
PTSD symptoms appear right after a traumatic event.
-
Reality:
The condition may take years to develop and symptoms may appear long after the event.
-
Misconception:
PTSD affects only those who are not strong enough to move on from the trauma.
-
Reality:
The condition has nothing to do with mental weakness. Instead, it is about the nature and severity of the trauma and how the brain is affected by trauma.
-
Misconception:
Everyone gets PTSD.
-
Reality:
The condition is common, but many people who experience trauma do not develop PTSD.
-
Misconception:
There’s no help for those who suffer PTSD.
-
Reality:
With treatment and support, symptoms can be overcome or managed.
To learn more about PTSD and how your veteran status can get you the help you need, contact Attorney George Sink Sr. at DisabledVets.com now.
