Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that can occur for the individuals who have experienced traumatic events involving grave injuries or death for themselves or to their near and dear. Such stress can strike the individuals immediately after the traumatic event after a delay of even six months after the event. It is commonly observed the traumatic stress that occurs immediately following the event can be overcome within a span of three months but for some it can last very long- even for years.
It can hit persons of any age who survive disasters like fire, accidents, assault, rape or situations like war and imprisonment. Usually the individuals have no way of coming to terms with the reality of such incidents. It is true that such events unnerve every person involved but not all will develop PTSD.
Causes of PTSD
The precise reasons for only some of the individuals developing PTSD is unknown but it is suspected that psychological, physical and social factors are at play. The psychological response to the reality of traumatic incidents spills out to body’s responses and it is then that separates the normal reaction to the onset of PTSD. It is found that stress hormones and response of nerves get affected in case of the individuals affected by PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD:
People affected by PTSD will not be able to come terms with the reality involving traumatic events; they re-experience the event in various forms. They will repeatedly have dreams of the incidents or some related consequences of the event. They can mentally go through the process again and again to relive and at the same time being dead frightened about it. Many times a related event in their daily routine can trigger the memories of the event which will disturb their routine life. All these memories and dreams are associated with severe physical reactions associated with terrible fright.
Other symptoms indicating PTSD are the behavior changes like attempts at evading the physical or mental associations with the event. Some times they may feel emotionally detached by avoiding any judgment of similar events to “safeguard” themselves from recurrence of the memories associated. It will also lead to loss of interest in normal activities. They also avoid visiting the place or objects that bring back to them the painful memories.
Other physical signs are palpitations, fever, fainting and dizziness.
Relief from PTSD:
One of the simplest ways people can be helped out of PTSD is with the help of social support. It is found that persons with strong family bonds and well knit social relations will seldom be affected by the stress to get this condition. Even those who are affected can be greatly helped to overcome by such kind of support.
One of the best treatments that can help the patient to come out of the PTSD is to make the individual recall the incident and express his feelings that will help him to realistically assess the event; it is also necessary to treat depression and associated alcohol abuse before treating PTSD. Anxiety and depression relieving medicines like anti depressants, SSRI, Flouxetine will help to get relief from PTSD.