PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that’s triggered by a terrifying life-event. It is important to treat mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In extreme cases, if left untreated, a person may be driven towards suicidal thoughts and actions. Effective treatment of PTSD requires that some of its many reported symptoms be identified in an individual. However, it is important to know that not everyone who has experienced a traumatic event like torture, injury, domestic abuse, violence, terrorism, war, or fire will develop the following symptoms (PTSD is not inevitable). These symptoms may show as early as three months following the traumatic event or may take years:

• Hearing or seeing things that are not there
• Being easily frightened or startled
• Trouble sleeping
• Too much drinking or other self-destructive behavior
• Overwhelming guilt or shame
• Anger
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships
• Trouble concentrating
• Memory problems
• Hopelessness about the future
• Avoiding activities once enjoyed
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Trying to avoid talking or thinking about the traumatic event
• Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event
• Flashbacks
• Reliving the traumatic event for minutes or days at a time

The abovementioned symptoms of PTSD are common in war veterans. The disorder is also known as “combat stress”, “battle fatigue” or “shell shock”.

Females are at a higher risk of developing PTSD as are people who have other mental conditions such as depression and anxiety. People who have been neglected or abused as children are also more susceptible.

Effective treatment of the disorder can help a person lead a normal life again. Through a combination of medications and psychotherapy, PTSD symptoms can be alleviated. Medications like alpha-blockers, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can help alleviate some of the many symptoms of the disorder. Furthermore, cognitive therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy can help a person regain control of his/her life.

Although no conclusive evidence shows that acupuncture works, some people find it helpful in alleviating the various symptoms of PTSD. Whatever the case may be, remember seeking help for PTSD is your responsibility. Getting help from your doctor or from a support group may help you avoid or treat PTSD. Professional help can prevent normal stress reactions to a traumatic event from getting worse and developing into post-traumatic stress disorder.