Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Definition of illness:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as “PTSD” is classified as an anxiety disorder in which a person has in the past experienced a stressful event such as a war, rape or physical and emotional abuse (Schiraldi, 2009). The DSM-V states that by witnessing, being involved or knowing a family member or friend that experienced such event can result into PTSD and involves a response of intense fear, helplessness or horror. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals who have suffered from PTSD experience episodic memories of the unsafe events that they had to endure and tend to avoid anything that may remind them of the event (Schiraldi, 2009).
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a somewhat new title for a condition that has affected combat veterans throughout the history of warfare. Studying the evolution of PTSD allows us to learn how we can better support individuals, specifically United States military veterans, who are affected by this disorder today. Through the history of treating this disorder, new treatments were discovered and ways to handle the symptoms. The psychiatric community is still learning about PTSD and the harmful effects of having the disorder.
The diagnosis of Post –Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) involves clusters of symptoms. They include persistent re-experiencing of the trauma, avoidance of traumatic reminders/ general numbing of emotional responsiveness, and hyper-arousal (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). In order for the possible diagnosis of PTSD the individual needs to have exposed to a
“PTSD was first brought to public attention in relation to war veterans, but it can result from a variety of traumatic incidents, such as mugging, rape, torture, being kidnapped or held captive, child abuse, car accidents, train wrecks, plane crashes, bombings, or natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes.” (NIMH)
Overview of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Description and History
Trauma and stress has been a part of the human condition since we evolved as a species. A “fight-or-flight” response to trauma and stress is a healthy reaction that is meant to protect us from danger. Whether from a saber tooth tiger attack, combat, or a terrorist attack, such events will certainly produce similar psychological effects. However individuals who develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may continue to feel tormented when they are no longer in danger. PTSD is not a new concept and we can see indication of this disorder as far back as The Bible (the Book of Job), the Mahabharata, Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or more commonly known as PTSD, is a disorder effecting about 7.7 million American adults. Post-traumatic stress disorder is developed after a terrifying ordeal that involved physical harm or the threat of physical harm (NIMH). The individual may have personally be harmed, the harm could have happened to a family member or loved one, or the individual could have seen a harmful event that happened. “Post-traumatic stress disorder was first brought to public attention in relation to war veterans, but it can result from a variety of traumatic incidents, such as mugging, rape, torture, being kidnapped or held captive, child abuse, car accidents, train wrecks, plane crashes, bombings, or natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes” (NIHM). It is natural to feel afraid when faced with danger. In these cases, fear triggers short but extreme changes in the body to prepare the body to defend against danger or to avoid it (NIMH). This response is called a “flight-or-flight” response which is the natural reaction meant to protect a person from harm, but with post-traumatic stress disorder this reaction is changed or damaged. An individual with post-traumatic stress disorder could possibly feel frightened even when there is no longer danger or when there was never any danger.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, is a mental disorder that can occur after a person has gone through a traumatic event (National). Traumatic event refers to something that is disturbing or shocking that an individual has seen, heard about, or has personally gone through. About 7.7 millions adults are affected by PTSD (NIH). Symptoms of the disorder will begin within 3 months of the traumatic event and in some rare cases might not show up until years later. PTSD is grouped in to 3 general groups; intrusive memories, avoidance and numbing, and increased anxiety or emotion arousal (Mayo). Intrusive memories include symptoms such as flashbacks, which could last for minutes or even days, or upsetting dreams about the traumatic event. Avoidance and emotional numbing may include trying to avoid talking about the event, avoiding activities you once enjoyed, memory problems, and maintaining close relationships. Symptoms of anxiety and increased arousal could include irritability or anger, overwhelming guilt or shame, being easily startled or frightened, and hearing or seeing things that aren’t there. A lot of events could cause a person to get PTSD but some examples are: combat exposure, child or adult sexual or physical abuse, terrorist attack, automobile accidents, or natural disasters (National). Symptoms of PTSD come and go. There can be certain situations, noises people that cause you to experience symptoms.
Topic: The Role Equine Assisted Therapy in the healing process of individuals diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, is a mental disorder that produces anxiety through the experience of life threatening situations, such as terrorist incidents, natural disasters, military combat, physical or sexual abuse as a child, and serious accidents that could result in a death of a close friend or family member (What is PTSD? 1). PTSD patients will have symptoms that will develop stress reactions. As time progresses, the symptoms may get worse and will not go away on their own. Major symptoms produce a negative change in beliefs and feelings. Such symptoms include aggressive behavior, feelings of detachment, inability to converse the experienced trauma, distorted blame, a negative outlook on the world and on others, and crucial trust issues (Symptoms of PTSD 1). In addition to these symptoms, patients may also experience additional disorders such as depression, drug abuse, and physical or mental difficulties for the rest of their lives. They will most likely be impaired of the ability to function socially with friends, strangers, or even family (What is PTSD? 1). Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial for the patient to avoid long-term symptoms. But, many people can go years without seeking treatment or knowing of their condition (What is PTSD? 1). Usually, symptoms begin to occur following the traumatic event, but PTSD cannot be diagnosed until there is a disturbance in everyday life or there has been a showing of symptoms for at least a month (PTSD: National Center for PTSD 1). With time, PTSD can be treated with psychotherapy and antidepressant medications, but can not be completely cured (What is PTSD? 1). PTSD presents several symptoms that are clearly portrayed through Holden Caulfield in ...
With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, symptoms and cases are preventable and able to be countered if addressed properly. If the potential PTSD victims take necessary action to recover from their experience early on, suffering can be aided the best. The Vietnam War, filled with the gruesome combat due to technological advancements, fighting that still resulted in northern Vietnam’s victory and leaving many soldiers with feeling that the war was pointless, and the amount of innocents killed in the process, a heavy impact was left upon the veterans; however, it was America’s generally hostile response to the Vietnam War and lack of sympathy that contributed the most to the high numbers of PTSD victims.