Post traumatic stress disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an emotional complaint that develops as a consequence of an appallingly scary, severe, or else from highly precarious situation. Persons suffering from PTSD re-experience the traumatic event in some way or other, be likely to stay away from the things, persons, or places that remind them of the event and are very thin-skinned to normal life experiences.

This medical disorder affects about 1 in 10 people. This is one of the most common of mental health problems. PTSD figures in children and teens reveal that nearly 40% have suffered at least one distressing event, consequential in the progress of PTSD in up to 6% of boys and 15% of the girls. According to investigations reported in a 1975 British journal of psychiatry, some 400 unsuccessful suicides had been interviewed to find why they had tried to kill themselves. 64% of them said that it was because of the devastating event in their lives, usually disharmony with spouse or lover, financial problems or physical illness.

A study reported in a 1976 journal of human stress found that persons who suffered from PTSD after traumatic events in the last 6 months and particularly in the previous month had attempted suicide. Hopelessness is an important characteristic of PTSD sufferers. In order to become hopeless, a person's reason must become impaired. That means he misconstrues his experiences in a negative way and without objective basis, anticipates a negative outcome to any attempts post PTSD.

What causes PTSD?

PTSD is caused by a psychologically shocking event. Such triggering events are called 'stressors'; they may be experienced alone or may be cluster of events with the victim feels he cannot cope. The event can be loss of loved ones, accidents, violent personal assault and natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tornados. On the other hand, seeing a different person debilitated or harmed, or the news of family member or friend is in grave danger has also resulted in PTSD.

What are the signs?

The usual onset of PTSD symptoms is within 3 months of the traumatic event. Nevertheless, they may surface even many years later. The period of PTSD and the frequency of the symptoms also vary. Recovery may be achieved in 6 months for some persons; for others, it may take more time.

The symptoms can be classified into 3 categories. The main characteristic of PTSD is re-experiencing of the traumatic event and it can happen in different ways. Generally the affected person has prevailing, persistent memories of the event, or repeated nightmares or flashbacks in which they revive their harrowing experience. Flashbacks include smells, image, sounds, or feelings and are often triggered by common incidences, such as a door knock or a car sound in the street. The associated things of the triggering event, or date it happened remind them of it, can also cause intense uneasiness.

The second category of symptoms includes withdrawal symptoms and emotional numbing (especially in relation to people with whom they used to be close). The people with PTSD stay away from scenarios which may remind them of the pressing event. Emotional numbing happens generally immediately after the event. They lose interest in things they used to enjoy, have trouble feeling friendly, be prickly, become more violent, or even become sadistic. Guiltiness is also common in PTSD.

The third category includes Alteration in sleeping patterns, increased aggression and increased attentiveness. Insomnia is common for PTSD sufferers and some may have poor concentration and difficulty in completing tasks.

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