Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, or PSTD, is an anxiety disorder that is triggered by an extremely distressing event. Perhaps most often thought of in the context of recurring anxiety in soldiers returning from war, PSTD actually affects people from nearly every walk of life and can be triggered by any highly stressful situation.

Many things could cause stress.

Among the most common sources of PTSD is combat. Veterans returning from active duty in a war have obviously seen or been involved in a variety of violent, life threatening situations. Post traumatic stress disorder, while only referred to by its modern name since 1980, has been recognized in combat veterans for much longer. Called by a variety of names throughout history, PTSD symptoms have been documented as far back as the Civil War in American soldiers, when the condition was known as soldier's heart. Since then, it has been called by many names, such as shell shock, battle fatigue, post Vietnam syndrome, and gross stress reaction, the symptoms noted in up to thirty percent of soldiers returning from every war.

Approximately seven to eight percent of the United States population will develop PTSD during their lifetime. Those at risk for PTSD include people who are the victim of or witness to violent crime, survivors of natural disasters or terrorist attacks, and victims of domestic or sexual abuse. Children exposed to community violence are at high risk for PTSD. Traumatic experiences such as auto accidents, plane crashes, medical emergencies, or any other event perceived as life threatening to an individual or their loved ones can trigger this disorder.

Trauma Comes in Many Forms

Combat	Floods	Fire
Hurricanes	War	Natural Disasters

PTSD symptoms vary from one sufferer to another, but a few basic guidelines have been established for diagnostic purposes, citing symptoms that have been the most common. Among these are:

• Flashbacks to the traumatic event
• Frequent nightmares
• Shame or guilt associated with the trauma
• Sleep disorders
• Memory trouble
• Emotional disconnection
• Irritability or irrational anger
• Inability to concentrate
• Pervasive feelings of hopelessness and anxiety

Many of these symptoms are perfectly reasonable reactions to trauma, but the duration of them is the key to determining whether typical shock after an event has progressed to the more serious condition of PTSD. If feelings of fear, helplessness, and anxiety persist long after the fact, or become worse rather than better as months or even years pass, these continuing issues may indicate that PTSD has become a problem and suffers should seek diagnosis and treatment.

PTSD is often a progressive disorder. Not only is it unlikely to go away on its own, but left untreated, the symptoms can become much worse as time goes on. Untreated PTSD can be very debilitating, interfering with day-to-day life in a number of ways. PTSD sufferers can find themselves unable to maintain employment and family relationships. Suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behaviors are common. Irrational anger stemming from the disorder can cause sufferers to act out violently, hurting those around them.

On the bright side, catching PTSD early can prevent many of these more alarming symptoms, and treatment is more advanced and effective than ever before. The prevalence of PSTD in Vietnam veterans led to a flurry of research on the disorder and the development of a variety of treatment options. Many prescription drugs have shown promise in the treatment of the anxiety, depression, and mood swings that can come with PTSD, and psychotherapy has proven very effective in helping sufferers manage and alleviate symptoms.

The most important thing to remember for those who suspect that they or a loved one may be suffering the effects of post traumatic stress disorder is that help is available. Despite the common misconceptions, not everyone can simply “get on with their lives” after an incident that has caused terror and distress. There is no shame in reaching out for help in a situation that has become beyond your control. Rather it is the strong and responsible thing to do for yourself and your loved ones, allowing all involved to recover the security and quality of life that has been lost to PTSD.

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