Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Imagine, a person not just any ordinary person, someone who has been through a horrific event. And every time they close their eyes, they see something that reminds them of that event. It triggers something, not just anything: memories, flashbacks, the event is playing over in their head.
That is what people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) feel. People with PTSD are, or have been in military combats, rescue workers, victims of violent crimes, and even survivors of natural disasters. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition, is a disease that many people suffer from. According to M. Foster Olive, “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is known as PTSD, a psychological disorder that occurs after experiencing a badly daunting event. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has 4 stages of symptoms and children, adults and teens experience different symptoms.
Symptoms
Re-experiencing Symptoms
Avoidance Symptoms
Next, avoidance is another symptom that exists with PTSD. According to the online article “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”, one of the symptoms people will have are staying away from places, objects and events that reminded them of the experience. Symptoms of strong guilt, depression or worry and having trouble remembering the event is an example of avoidance. Victims also may lose interest in activities that they liked before the event. Next, in the article, the symptoms that occur can affect the people’s daily routine. Anything that reminds the person of the event can, set off avoidance signs. Lastly, avoidance symptoms are signs of PTSD.
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms
Another symptom that occurs from PTSD are signs of arousal and reactivity symptoms. In the online article “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”, some of the symptoms are being easily startled, feeling tense, difficulty sleeping or angry outbursts. These symptoms constantly happen to someone with PTSD. The symptoms that occur can make a person feel stressed and angry. Also, in the article from National Institute of Mental Health called “ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”, “[The symptoms] may make it hard to do daily tasks, such as sleeping, eating, or concentrating.” Clearly, arousal and reactivity symptoms are experienced with people who have PTSD.
Cognition and Mood
In addition, another symptom of PTSD are signs of cognition and mood disorder. According to the article, “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”, a cognitive symptom is trouble remembering important things of the traumatic event. Also the victim may experience negative thoughts and feeling guilt or blame, or loss of interest in enjoyable activities. In the online article from National Institute of Mental Health called “ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”, “Cognition and mood symptoms can begin or worsen after the traumatic event, but are not due to injury or substance use. These symptoms can make the person feel alienated or detached from friends or family members.” The symptoms get worse after the event and it affects people’s daily lives. Cognition and mood symptoms are faced with people who have PTSD.
Children Symptoms
Adults and Teens Symptoms
Adults and teens have PTSD symptoms than young children. Teens and adults have many similar symptoms. According to the article“ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”, Teens may show unusual behavior. Young adults and teens may feel ashamed for not preventing the injuries and deaths. Also, teens and adults may have thoughts of retribution. Therefore, adults and teens have different symptoms than young children.
Overall of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Overall, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has many uncommon symptoms. Children and adults both exhibit different symptoms. Even though people with PTSD suffer with these stressful symptoms, you should never mistreat them. You may see a person who has been through a dreadful event acting differently. Just remember everyone acts differently if something horrible happens to them. Don’t judge them, help them.
Works Cited
Kahn, Ada P. "post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)." Health Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 2 Feb. 2016.
Olive, M. Foster. "post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)." Health Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 2 Feb. 2016
"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." NIMH RSS. National Institute of Mental Health, n.d. Web. 04 Feb. 2016.