Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
By Ishita K
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is the development of symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event. This event could have taken place with a family member or friend, such as a death or serious accident.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
There are many signs and symptoms of this condition. They include:
- Nightmares or flashbacks- the person with the condition may experience nightmares and may relive the event.
- Avoiding reminders of the event- the patient may avoid talking about the event or any reminders of the event.
- Emotional numbness- the person may feel numb or detached. They may not feel the same way about the world or their loved ones.
- Hyper-vigilance- the person may always be on edge, alert, and become easily startled.
How Does Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Affect Someone?
Ex. John Smith and his friend decide to watch a movie together. John suddenly gets startled when he sees a terrorism scene and asks his friend to leave. He refuses to talk to his friend or interact with anyone for several days.
A person suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder will always be super stressed, irritated, and scared thus precluding them from socializing and interacting with others.
Other Names For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- PTSD
Guilt and Shame
Often times those suffering from PTSD will feel guilty for not being able to prevent what happened. They will feel ashamed and bad about themselves. A lot of soldiers experience this.
Fear
PTSD patients will often be fearful and on edge. They get easily startled.
Solitude
PTSD patients also choose to be in solitude and don't interact with others or have trouble doing so.
How is PTSD Diagnosed?
PTSD is diagnosed by a counselor or therapist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or some other therapist. There is no proper test or evaluation, but the person concerned is observed.
How is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treated?
Luckily, this condition can be treated! By talking it through or going through treatment PTSD can be cured. It's also extremely important that the patient obtains some kind of relaxation technique and they have a good support system. Medication, discovering one's inner strength, and learning coping skills can all aid in treating PTSD.
Interesting facts
- The ability to bounce back from PTSD, unaffected, is resilience.
- PTSD can occur in children, teenagers, and adults.