A young girl keeps remembering sexual abuse by a stepfather, a man keeps remembering the horror through which he lost his family, and another cannot help shuddering when remembering a grisly accident in which he or she was involved. All these are traumatizing events, which usually happen to some of us. These events lead to stress which is known as posttraumatic stress disorder.
Posttraumatic stress disorder was long ago known as “shell shock”. This anxiety disorder happens when someone has gone through really traumatizing events in their life. In this event, their lives, or the life of someone close to them was threatened violently. This disorder was long ago noted in soldiers who returned home after World War One. Nowadays, it is seen after war, rape, torture and even on survivors of earthquakes and other calamities.
Posttraumatic stress disorder does not usually occur immediately after the trauma. It comes after a certain period. Many times, it happens three months after the event but it could vary from person to person. As much as this disorder could happen to anyone, women have been known to be more susceptible to it than men are. It is also common in people who at the time of the trauma were suffering from other stress disorders or in people who have no support from family and friends.
Anyone suffering from this disorder have their lives interfered with. They seem to have exaggerated startle response. This shows that they have hyper arousal symptoms due to the trauma. Even the smallest sound makes them jump. They also suffer from insomnia (difficulty in sleeping) and have mood swings.Another symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder includes uncontrollable shaking, chills and even tension headaches. The sufferer also tends to relive the trauma through flashbacks and nightmares.
Certain smells and sounds also trigger memories of the trauma. When this disorder strikes, you will find that the sufferer distances themselves from daily life events and even friends. They even stop enjoying things, which they previously found enjoyable. It could lead to this person losing a job, marriage breakdown, which leads to greater stress. They tend to avoid activities or places that could trigger reminders of their traumatizing event.
Posttraumatic stress disorder has also been known to lead to Multiple Personalities Disorder (MPD). Here the person involved has alter egos because he or she is not able to cope with the trauma. People who suffer from PTSD find it impossible to trust or care for other people.
This disorder also tends to lead to bodily ailments. It is not unusual, to find someone suffering from PTSD having gastrointestinal complaints and even chest pains. PTSD also interferes with their immune system. The sufferer could also end up seeking alternative means of reducing the negative effects of the condition. They could turn to alcoholism or even substance abuse.
One thing to note is that posttraumatic stress disorder could occur to a person of any age whether a child, adolescent or an elderly person.
