Characteristics and Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be characterized by three main types of symptoms:
Re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive distressing flashbacks, nightmares and other recollections of the event.
Avoidance of places, people, and activities that are reminders of the trauma, promoting a feeling of emotional numbness.
Difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feeling jumpy, and being easily irritated and angered.
Frequently, they are forced to re-live the event through such things as flashbacks and nightmares. Because of this, relaxing, concentrating or sleeping may become difficult, and they often feel detached or estranged from others.
Who it affects
This is a serious and potentially debilitating condition that can occur in people who have witnessed or experienced:
A natural disaster Serious accident Sudden death of a loved one Terrorist incident Violent personal assault such as rape War Other life-threatening events
The good news is that most people who experience such events recover from them. However people suffering from PTSD continue to be severely depressed and anxious for months or even years following the event.
Sixty-seven percent of people exposed to mass violence have been shown to develop PTSD, a higher rate than those exposed to natural disasters or other types of traumatic events.
People who have experienced previous traumatic events run a higher risk of developing PTSD.
7.7 million Americans age 18 and older have PTSD.
Women are twice as likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder as men, and children can also develop it. PTSD often occurs with depression, substance abuse or other anxiety disorders.
How it’s Treated
Generally, PTSD is diagnosed after a person has experienced symptoms for at least one month following a traumatic event. However, it should be noted that symptoms may not appear until months or even years later.
Like other anxiety disorder, PTSD is treatable. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is effective for many people, helping them to identify, understand, and modify faulty thinking and behaviour patterns.
Some with PTSD also take medication. Relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, exercise and other alternative treatments may also become part of a treatment plan.
Other anxiety disorders, depression, or substance abuse can often accompany PTSD. These other conditions must also be treated with appropriate therapies.
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