Many people associate Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with the military, and that is a valid reason to have the disorder; however, there are many other traumatic experiences that can cause a person to experience PTSD. For instance, a home invasion, rape, or any kind of violence can cause a person to experience PTSD.
PTSD was first associated with veterans returning from the Vietnam War. These veterans had problems dealing with the violence they had witnessed and even participated in. Since that time, PTSD has been well researched and documented. Today we know that not only war veterans, but people from many walks of life may experience PTSD. Women in violent marriages, children who have been abused, and survivors of natural disasters are just some of the people who may find themselves experiencing PTSD.
Not everyone who has a violent experience will have the same reaction, but many people will find themselves reliving the events over and over again. Along with that comes flashbacks, nightmares, rapid heart rate, sweating, detachment, amnesia, sleep problems, irritability, and an exaggerated startle response.
Other symptoms of the disorder include an inability to deal with the everyday stresses of life. There may be trouble maintaining employment because of an inability to concentrae. Also, people with PTSD have trouble maintaining relationships. Many people with this disorder get divorced.
Long-term studies of Vietnam era veterans show that PTSD is a risk factor for disease in general. In other words, if PTSD is treated soon after the traumatic even, the sufferer is more likely to have serious health problems in the future. This finding has staggering implications when you think of all the disasters in recent memory and the number of people who lived through them.
Fortunately, there is effective treatment for PTSD. Although the person suffering with this problem may be loathe to do it, talking about their experience is very helpful. Medication is also a very valid option. Several drugs have proven to be useful in treating the stress and depression that accompanies PTSD.
Lately there has been an increased number of people being diagnosed with PTSD. These numbers are related to the number of catastrophic events in the last few years: 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and recently floods in the Midwest. Survivors of catastrophic events are at a higher risk than most for PTSD.
Although a diagnosis of PTSD must be made by a doctor, if you are experiencing the symptoms for longer than one month, chances are good you have the disorder. It’s possible to have periods of time when the symptoms wax and wane, but this does not mean the disorder is gone. You still need to seek help.
One problem that many people with PTSD have is that they are reticent to talk about their experience. They feel that no one will understand. There is also a fear of being judged. This is sad because it means they will miss out on the peace of mind they deserve. A catastrophic life event, doesn’t have to last a lifetime.
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Denise Harris blogs about health and disability at Able-Mart.com.
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