• PTSD usually appears within three months of the traumatic experience, but in some circumstances can surface months or even years later.
• PTSD can occur at any age, from childhood to old age, and traumatic stress can be cumulative over a lifetime.
• As many as 70 percent of adults in the United States have experienced at least one major trauma in their lives, and many of them have suffered from the emotional reactions that are called PTSD.
• Those diagnosed with PTSD experience these symptoms for longer than one month and are unable to function as they did before the event.
Re-experience
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Hallucinations
• Other vivid feelings of the event happening again
• Exaggerated emotional and physical reactions to triggers that remind them of the event
Avoidance
• Avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the incident
• Loss of interest
• Feeling of detachment from others
• Limited range of emotion
• Feelings of hopelessness about the future
Increased arousal
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Irritability or outbursts of anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Becoming very alert or watchful
• Jumpiness or being easily startled
Causes
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an Anxiety Disorder that can occur following exposure to a traumatic event that caused intense fear, helplessness, or horror.
A variety of methods are used in the treatment of this disorder, and it is important to recognize that each individual will respond differently. In many cases, PTSD can be treated effectively with psychotherapy and/or medication.
• Behavior therapy focuses on the development of relaxation and coping techniques.
• Cognitive therapy is designed to help an individual examine his/her thought patterns and learn to combat negative and nonproductive thinking.
• Group therapy allows them to interact with others in similar situations and learn that their fears and feelings are not uncommon.
Medication is often used as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs can be helpful in reducing symptoms of PTSD such as sleep problems (insomnia, nightmares), depression, and edginess.
• About 5.2 million Americans ages 18 to 54 are diagnosed with PTSD.
• Increased incidences of the disorder have also been found among inner-city youths and those recently emigrated from troubled countries. Additionally, women seem to get PTSD more frequently than men.
• Veterans are perhaps the community most associated with PTSD, or what was once referred to as "shell shock" or "battle fatigue."
• It is important to note that those with PTSD often use alcohol or other drugs in an attempt to self-medicate; individuals with this disorder may also be at an increased risk for suicide.
Where can I find more Information about PTSD?
Excellent, general information about PTSD can be found through:
Anxiety Disorders Association of America, Inc
8730 Georgia Avenue, Suite 600, Silver Springs, MD 20910
Phone: (240) 485-1001, Web site: http://www.adaa.org/
National Organization for Victim Assistance
510 King Street, Suite 424, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 535-6682, Web site: http://www.trynova.org/
Information specifically for veterans, such as the location of area clinics and programs, can be found through:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington DC 20011
Phone: (800) 827-1000, Web site: http://www.va.gov/
Reviewed by Al Fontana, Ph.D., Project Director, PTSD, VA-Northeast Program Evaluation Center and Paul Errera, M.D., Associate Director, VA-NEPEC
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook by Schiraldi, Glenn R.
If you or someone you know would like more information on mental illness
or wish to request an educational presentation, please contact:
NAMI IOWA (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
5911 Meredith Drive Suite E
Des Moines IA 50322-1903
Phone: (515) 254-0417 or (800) 417-0417 outside of Des Moines
Fax: (515) 254-1103 Website: http://www.namiiowa.org/