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PTSD Treatment and Effects

Posttraumatic stress disorder is becoming a serious problem in the world today. The increasing number of conflicts around the world has worsened this situation. An ever-increasing number of combatants are suffering from this anxiety disorder because of losing close friends in the combat field and they themselves having a close shave with death. Posttraumatic stress disorder is caused by exposure to a traumatic event that completely overwhelms the person psychologically.

Some of the events that may precipitate or trigger post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD are death of a loved one, threat of death of self ,  surviving a horrific accident , rape, child abuse, and witnessing tragic events that lead to death and destruction, among others. These events are etched in the mind of a sufferer and occasionally the sufferer is haunted by those thoughts. Sufferers of PTSD often experience flash backs of the events at any time of the day or night. They are also prone to nightmares at night and will normally lack the ability to sleep or rest.

Some of the telltale signs of a person suffering from PTSD are the nightmares that will not go away easily.  A person who has survived a horrific accident may find himself avoiding the spot of the accident. Other persons who have gone through such experiences may avoid traveling in cars or even avoid going through the same route to avoid triggering of memories. Other signs of a person suffering from this disorder are the loneliness they are prone to suffer. Such people are often unable to express affection to anyone and often find they are alone.  They have trouble sleeping and are always in a state of anxiety. They are easily startled and are prone to sudden bursts of anger.  They are easily irritated and may even be violent.

Children also suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. They exhibit symptoms, which are different from those of adults. These include behaving as they used to when they were younger. This is an attempt at denying what they are going through. They also have frequent complaints of stomachache or headache. They are unable to talk and express themselves. They also refuse to go to places that will trigger their memories or visit their friends.

PTSD continues to afflict more people each year. The condition afflicts more women than men. It has also been established that people who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder also suffer from other psychological disorders like substance abuse, drug abuse or may even be in an abusive relationship.

The good news is that PTSD is treatable and science continues to come up with new treatment solutions for this disorder. There are two ways of treating posttraumatic stress disorder. The first thing to do is to provide an appropriate diagnosis of the condition. This requires observation by the doctor for a considerable amount of time at least one month. After an appropriate diagnosis is made, treatment is prescribed. Treatment is in two forms. Either it can be in the form of talk therapy or medication. Alternatively both interventions may be used.