Posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that can occur after witnessing or being exposed to an event that causes psychological trauma. A number of factors including being a victim of a violent act, witnessing such an act, death of a loved one, threats of death to oneself, being in combat or war or even surviving a horrific road accident may trigger PTSD. People who have been actively involved in a conflict or violence like soldiers or the police are usually the most common sufferers of posttraumatic stress disorder. This is because of the many violent encounters they witness in the course of duty.
A person who suffers from PTSD exhibits a number of symptoms that reveal the state of the person. There are generally three types of symptoms, which victims of PTSD experience. The first type are the‘re-experiencing’ symptoms.These memories trigger the symptoms exhibited by the sufferer. They include flashbacks where the sufferer ‘relives’ the event in his or her own mind. Physical signs like a pounding heart may also accompany these symptoms. The victim may also suffer frightening thoughts as he or she remembers the event.The other symptoms are referred to as the avoidance symptoms. Here the sufferer may feel numb, may avoid places or situations that will trigger the thoughts or suddenly lose interest in activities that were previously quite enjoyable.
The sufferer of PTSD may also exhibit hyperarousal symptoms. These include inability to sleep or relax, being easily startled and always tense. Hyperarousal symptoms are not triggered by memories. They are constantly with the victim. These symptoms cause the victim to be unable to follow up on daily activities like eating, sleeping or concentrating.
Some times the symptoms may take long to manifest after the event. For others they start showing anxiety symptoms immediately after the event. This condition is referred to as acute stress disorder. The victims of posttraumatic stress disorder are treated through psychotherapy or through medicine or use of both approaches. It is important that a medical doctor who has significant experience in dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder examine the victim. Such a specialist will be in a position to determine the kind of treatment the victim requires.
Many a time, a victim may be going through a traumatic event even as he or she suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder. In the event that there are other underlying problems apart from PTSD, then both conditions should be treated together. Such additional situations may include being in a hostile home environment where the victim is abused or suffering from depression or substance abuse. The victim may also be suffering from panic attacks.
Many centers have come up to help those who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. Treatment is now readily available for those who have suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder .The disorder is managed through use of medication or psychotherapy. In some cases, it may be necessary to use both interventions to ensure recovery takes place.
