|
|
PTSD-Trauma
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by a persistent re-experiencing of a traumatic event. Habitual attempts are made to avoid stimuli connected with the trauma. Symptoms include: sleep disturbances, anger, excessive vigilance and overreactions to symbolic connections.
What kinds of trauma can result in this condition?
Any violent personal assault can trigger this condition, such as: a sexual assault, physical attack, robbery or mugging, military combat, kidnapping or being taken hostage, terrorist attack, torture, incarceration in a concentration camp, natural or manmade disasters, severe automobile accidents, or being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
What kind of physical and emotional reactions might a person with PTSD experience?
 Individuals suffering from PTSD may have intrusive thoughts and recollections of the traumatic event. PTSD survivors may experience nightmares when the traumatic event is replayed. A person may also experience dissociative states during which components of the event are relived and the person acts as if they are re-experiencing the event. This can last anywhere from a few seconds to several days.
What are some characteristics of PTSD?
Hyper-vigilance Exaggerated startle response Difficulty concentrating - dissociative behavior Intrusive recollections of the traumatic event.Irritability/anger outbursts Difficulty with sleep Depressive moodsAnxiety and Fear The use of behavioral, cognitive or emotional strategies to numb the pain and terror. (Some people try to avoid conditions that trigger intrusive thoughts. Others use "psychic numbing," which may cause them to withdraw from personal relationships.)
Does the age of the person at the time of the trauma make a difference?
The earlier the age and/or the more intense or extended the trauma, such as repeated child abuse, the more severe symptoms may be. Sometimes, in the adult world, we tend to think that a child has to be a certain age in order to rationalize, understand or be impacted by a trauma. In reality, infants and toddlers can also be traumatized. And may need to work through many lingering issues later on in their adult life.
Would natural disasters be considered as such trauma?
 Customarily, natural disasters – such as, tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes – would affect the entire life of a person or family. The loss of memorabilia, pets and loved ones causes individuals to go into the same kind of a shock, requiring a similar re-orientation of their lives. It’s not uncommon to see television coverage of a natural disaster or photographs in the newspaper showing people wandering aimlessly or sitting on the remains of their home, staring into the distance. They are psychologically devastated and may develop PTSD.
How can Therapy Help
Counselors help mostly by listening and helping the client de-sensitize the traumatic event or events. The client will be helped by telling their story. It’s important for the therapist to help the client re-establish a sense of safety and predictability. The client will need assistance in developing good healthy coping skills. The client needs permission to release powerful feelings and requires help to regain a sense of control. EMDR may be very helpful in desensitizing the event.
Click here for more information on EMDR
How long will it take a client to work through PTSD?
There are differing degrees of trauma. Each person, with his/her own distinct personality and strengths, will vary. Patience is a key to healing. New treatments like EMDR are producing fast and sustained recovery for many people, especially those whom have experienced one time traumatic events.
Do people ever have to cope with this disorder for years or perhaps a lifetime?
For those who experienced trauma repeatedly and long-term and most devastating may cope with PTSD for years, some for their lifetime. The disorder can have lifetime impact, according to the National Center for PTSD: "The traumatic event remains, sometimes for decades or a lifetime, a dominating psychological experience that retains its power to evoke panic, terror, dread, grief or despair.
The information provided here is general in nature and should not substitute for the care and advice of a licensed health care provider.
WE CAN HELP PLEASE E-MAIL US TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT
|
