Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Don Cole Jr.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Abstract
Ptsd was first recognized by the medical community by war veterans. Ptsd is common. It was stated in, (Adaa.org)," 67% of people who experienced some form of violence has Ptsd. The rate is higher than any other form of traumatic events." Americans age 18 or older will experience Ptsd at some part in their lives.(Adaa.org). This is a serious condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a tramatic event; where physical harm occured or the person was threatend. This condition causes fear, helplessness in people who suffer from Ptsd. Families of victims can also develop Ptsd. This …show more content…
is true for people who work in emergency and rescue workers.(adaa.org).
Symptoms
Ptsd diagnostic code is 309.81.(DSM-IV-TR); People who experience a tramatic events will have reactions that may include shock, anger, nervousness, fear and even guilt.
These are common and most people over time these symptoms go away. And for others, these feelings continue and become so strong that the condition prevents the person from living a normal life. People with this disorder express symptoms for more than one month and they are unable to function as they did before the tramatic event occurred. The severity and duration of the illness vary. The symptoms of Ptsd are: Reliving is when the person relieves the ordeal through their thoughts and memories of the trauma. These include flash backs, hallucinations and nightmares. Next there is Avoiding, where the person may avoid people, places or situations that remind them of the trauma. The person detaches and isolates themselves from …show more content…
family and friends. They experience Increased arousal, this is where the person has excessive emotions. They have problems relating to others, they do not feel or show affection. They have problems falling or staying asleep. The person usually is irratable, nervous, lack concentration, have outbursts of anger. The person may feel they are to blame for the trauma. People with Ptsd can experience physical symptoms such as: increased blood pressure and heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, nausea and diarrhea. Children who suffer from this disorder may have delayed development such as, toilet training, motor skills and language.
Etiology
Ptsd onced called shell shocker or battle fatigue syndrome. This condition can occur in anyone at any age, who has experienced a tramatic event. That includes people who have experienced abuse as a child or they may have been repeatedly exposed to unsafe environments. People who have experienced physical or sexual assault,are all at risk for Ptsd. Women are at higher risk of experiencing Ptsd than men. Due to the fact, women are more likely to be a victim of domestic violence, abuse and rape.
Treatments
Ptsd is not diagnosed until a month after the person experiences a traumatic event. If the person displays symptoms of Ptsd, the doctor will elevate the person by discussing their medical history and physical exam is also included.Test are used to rule out physical illness as the cause of the symptoms. If the person is cleared the patient may be referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional. Who are trained to diagnose and treat mental illness. There are a set of questions that are asked to determine if a person is suffering from an anxiety disorder. This is done by the doctor basing their diagnose of Ptsd by the symptoms the person displays. This also includes any functional problems. When treatment is provided for people who suffer from Ptsd; the intention is to reduce their emotional and physical symptoms, to improve their daily lives, to help the person cope better with the event that caused this disorder.
Treatment for Ptsd may include medication, counseling or both. Medications used to treat Ptsd are antidepressant such as Zoloft, Paxil they help control the person feelings of anxiety and the symptoms they have. Tranquilizers and mood stabilizers such as Ativan, Depakote may also be used. Neuroleptics such as Seroquel and Ability are used sometimes to help with nightmares. Blood pressure medication is used at times to control certain symptoms. Psychotherapy for Ptsd helps the person learn how to manage and cope with symptoms. Therapy is used to teach the person and their family about Ptsd. Skills are taught to the person in how to manage their fears due to the traumatic event. There are a variety of therapy
available. Cognitive behavioral therapy includes the person learning how to recognize and change their thought pattern. Exposure therapy includes having the person relive the traumatic event or expose the person to situations that cause them anxiety. This therapy usually is successful in treating Ptsd. Psychodyamic therapy involves helping the person look at their personal values and helps with their emotional problems caused by the trauma they have suffered. Family therapy is used to educate family and friends about Ptsd. Group therapy allows the person to talk about their feelings, fears with other people who suffer from the same condition. Eye movement desensitizion and reprocessing is a form of therapy that helps relieve the distress from their traumatic memories and change how they respond to them.
Prognosis
The outlook for people with Ptsd is a slow and steady process. The symptoms do not just go away, by the person receiving treatment. Providing treatment can help them manage the symptoms of this disorder. Studies suggest that people who have Ptsd receive help sooner to help reduce some of the symptoms and improve function.
Conclusion
References
American Psychiatric Association.(2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manuver of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, Dc.
(2015, August). Anxiety and depression Association of America: Understand the facts Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from http://www.adaa.org/understandinganxietyposttramaticstress-disorderptsd.
Nevid, Jeffrey S. (2014). Essentials of Psychology concepts and applications fourth edition. Stamford, CT. Cenaga Learning.
Sareen, J. (2014). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adults: Impact, Comorbidity, Risk factors, and Treatment. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 59(9), (460-467) Retrieved from
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