Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Cause, Symptoms, Treatments

During World War I, psychologists studied combat soldiers, many quite normal, who began to show bizarre symptoms of uncontrolled shaking, staring into space, crying jags and the like. They called it “shellshock.”

Today, we call such a psychological disturbance after a traumatic event Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is an extreme response to extreme stress that lasts more than 30 days following the trauma.

All About Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

Who are the candidates for PTSD? Anyone. If you’ve been a victim of a horrific event, such as a plane or car crash, a natural disaster like an earthquake or tornado, or rape, assault and other violence against yourself or your immediate family, you may find yourself living an ongoing nightmare.

The following are among the common symptoms suffered by trauma victims:

Re-experiencing traumatic events in nightmares
Re-experiencing traumatic event(s) in their waking minds
Avoiding anything associated with the event
A general emotional numbing )0. Skillful avoidance (often unconsciously) of talking/thinking about it
Difficulties in sleep and concentrating
Hyper-vigilance
Depression, suicidal thoughts

You may experience horrific flashbacks so intense that it’s as if the trauma were being replayed live. Anxious and depressed, you may impulsively take off on a trip, or change jobs or residence. If others have died, particularly those close to you, you may feel guilty for having survived, something that Holocaust victims overwhelmingly report. The youngest victims begin to have nightmares about monsters and may either act out or become withdrawn.

Not everyone who suffers a trauma develops PTSD. Most people recover after a few days or a few weeks. Good social supports make a difference, as well as validation of the horrific nature of the trauma once the crisis is past—something that was lacking for Vietnam Vets and often for rape victims, among others.

In summary, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders:

Though all people experience phobias, avoidance that disrupts your life is the mark of pathology.
Panic attacks can disappear as suddenly as they come.
Preservation and fastidiousness do not make an obsession.
Following a trauma, anyone can experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.