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Home : Diagnosis
: Mental Illness : Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Many people with PTSD attempt to rid themselves of their
painful re-experiences, loneliness, and panic attacks by abusing alcohol
or other drugs as a "self medication" that helps them to blunt
their pain and forget the trauma temporarily. A person with PTSD may show
poor control over his or her impulses and may be at risk for suicide.
PTSD usually appears within 3 months of a trauma, but
sometimes the disorder appears later. PTSD’s symptoms fall into three
categories: Intrusion, Avoidance, and/or Hyperarousal
Intrusion
Memories of the trauma reoccur unexpectedly, and episodes called
"flashbacks" intrude their current lives. It may be so strong
that individuals feel like they are experiencing the trauma again or
seeing it unfold before their eyes and in nightmares.
Avoidance
The person often avoids close emotional ties...the person feels numb,
has diminished emotions, and can complete only routine, mechanical
activities...avoids situations or activities that are reminders of the
original traumatic event because such exposure may cause symptoms to
worsen.
Hyperarousal
They are constantly threatened by the trauma that caused their
illness. They can become suddenly irritable or explosive, even when they
are not provoked. They may have trouble concentrating or remembering
current information, and, because of their terrifying nightmares, they may
develop insomnia. This constant feeling that danger is near causes
exaggerated startle reactions.
Source: www.psych.org/public_info/ptsd.cfm
Facts about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety/ptsdfacts.cfm
Helping Children Cope w/Violence and Disasters
www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/violence.cfm
PTSD Alliance
www.ptsdalliance.org/about_what.html |
