Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is debilitating
condition that follows a terrifying event. Symptoms
may be mild or severe e.g. sufferers may become easily
irritated or have violent outbursts. In severe cases
they may have trouble working or socializing.
The diagnostic criteria for PTSD include
a history of exposure to a catastrophic event involving
actual or threatened death or injury, or a threat to
the physical integrity of the person or others. During
this traumatic exposure, the individual experiences
intense fear, helplessness or horror.
There are three main categories of symptoms that occur
after the traumatic event.
1. Re-experiencing the Trauma
Often people suffering from PTSD have
episodes when they re-experience the traumatic event
in the form of sudden, vivid memories that are accompanied
by painful emotions. This is called a "flashback"
- a recollection that is so strong that the individual
thinks that he or she is actually experiencing the trauma
again or see it unfold before his or her eyes. In traumatized
children, this reliving of the trauma occurs in the
form of repetitive play.
The re-experiencing can also be in
the form of nightmares. In young children, the distressing
dreams may evolve into nightmares of monsters or threats
to self or others.
At times, the re-experience may come
as sudden and painful onslaught of emotions that seem
to have no cause. These emotions are usually of sadness,
fear or anger.
2. Avoidance
Those suffering from PTSD often avoid
close emotional ties with family, colleagues and friends.
The person feels numb, has diminished emotions and frequently
say they can't feel emotions especially toward those
to whom they are closest.
The person with PTSD also avoids situations
that remind them of the traumatic event because the
symptoms may worsen. For example a war veteran may overreact
when he sees people wearing uniforms.
Children suffering from PTSD may show
a marked change in their attitudes towards their future.
The child may, for example, not expect to marry or have
a career.
3. Hyperarousal
People with PTSD may act as if they
are continuously being threatened by the trauma. They
may become irritable and have difficulty concentrating.
They are easily startled by loud sounds. At times those
with PTSD suffer panic attacks where the symptoms include
extreme fear resembling those which they felt during
the trauma. They may feel sweaty, have trouble breathing
and notice their heart rate raising. They may also complain
of nausea and dizziness. Many traumatized children have
physical symptoms such as stomaches and headaches.
All the above symptoms last for more
than a month and result in significant social and occupational
disturbances.
Individuals suffering from PTSD often
have concomitant problems such as drug and alcohol abuse.
They also experience other symptoms which are related
to mood and anxiety disorders such as
- feeling depressed, sad and having low energy
- feeling irritable, easily agitated, angry and
resentful
- feeling guilty for surviving, for being alive,
for
things not said or done
- feeling fearful and anxious
- difficulty with sleep and concentration
- spontaneously crying, feeling a sense of
despair, hopelessness which may lead to
suicidal thoughts
Hence traumatic stress can precipitate a whole host
of symptoms and conditions.
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