Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Working in the field of Emergency Response I have seen and felt first hand the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder. It is not possible to respond to emergency after emergency and not be subject to some of PTSD’s effects. When I saw this topic in the list I felt compelled to use this opportunity to learn more. My hope is by increasing my knowledge, of a disorder so prevalent in my career field; I can recognize the symptoms in others and myself before there effect becomes devastating.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD as it is more commonly referred to, is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as an anxiety disorder. (American Psychological Association.) It has specific criteria that need to be met in order to be diagnosed. Foremost there needs to be a traumatic event of some kind. Examples of such events are as follows. Being involved in a situation where there was death or near death, sexual assault, or physical harm. There have also been cases were the stressor was second hand. Such as harm that happened to a close family member. People who have PTSD can exhibit a myriad of symptoms. Symptoms include flashbacks, which are a vivid recollection of the event. As well as anxiety resulting from recall of unwanted memories of the event. Many also experience a heightened sense of awareness known as hyperarousal, a state in which the body is prepared to respond to a threat.

Physical manifestations of PTSD are a result of the body’s natural response mechanisms becoming overwhelmed. This mechanism is commonly referred as the fight or flight mechanism a part of the nervous system. In the unaffected person, when triggered this mechanism cause changes in the body. Changes such as increased heart rate, increased musc...

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