Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a psychiatric problem, which occurs when a person has been through a terrifying event, in which intense physical harm occurred or was threatened. Some events that trigger PTSD include, rape or any other personal assaults, natural disasters, death of loved ones, car accidents, or military combat. Many patients of PTSD become emotionally numbed. Patients may experience flashbacks, or nightmares in which the situation “haunts” them. Flashbacks are a very common symptom of PTSD. Flashbakcs can include, sounds, smells, images, or feelings that remind you of the trauma. Flashbacks are usually triggered by everyday things, like slamming a door, or a car backing up on a street. Flashbacks may allow you to lose touch with reality and you may feel like the incident is happening again. Patients also start to lose interest in the things they once loved; they may also become aggressive or violent. PTSD affects about 7.7 million adults in America; however it can occur at any age, even early childhood. PTSD is many times come with substance abuse, depression, or other anxiety disorders like agoraphobia, or phobias. Flashbacks are a very common symptom of PTSD. If you think you are experiencing PTSD, you should first contact your family physician. If you are diagnosed with the disorder, you should be taken to a mental health physician. You may be issued medication for your condition, along with sessions with a psychologist to discuss what your are experiencing. It is very important for your family to support you in your time of need. Many families help the patient recover from PTSD, as well as accompany them to their appointment,s, and even getting involved in PTSD support groups. In conclusions, PTSD is a very serious disorder that can greatly damage a persons life.