WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
In this disorder, the victim of an overwhelming accident,
attack, or disaster begins reliving the event over and over.
These flashbacks are often accompanied by a permanent state of
anxiety, tension, and insomnia.
If the problem surfaces within a few days or weeks of the
trauma, it's likely to disappear on its own within 6 months.
But if the onset is delayed, the condition may drag on for
years.
Causes
The more sudden, horrible, and injurious the event, the
more likely that it will lead to posttraumatic stress. Among
the traumas most frequently at fault are:
-
Rape
-
Family violence
-
Child abuse
-
Armed combat
-
Terrorist
attacks
-
Crashes and
accidents
-
Natural disasters such as
hurricanes and tornadoes
Signs/Symptoms
The hallmark of this disorder is a persistent replaying
of the traumatic event, either through vivid waking memories or
constant nightmares. Victims typically suffer insomnia. Many
develop a phobia or revulsion towards anything that reminds
them of the event. If there were fatalities, victims often feel
guilt over their own survival. Emotional pain and anxiety may
lead to a burned-out feeling of general detachment. Specific
signs of the problem include:
-
Sudden feelings of sadness,
fear, or anger
-
Nervousness
-
Panic
-
Irritability
-
Poor
concentration
-
Use of alcohol or drugs to
numb emotional pain
-
Loss of interest in friends,
family, and object of enjoyment
Care
Therapy focuses on relieving tension and helping the
victims put the event behind them. Tranquilizers and
antidepressants may provide temporary relief, but don't help
over the longer term. Relaxation exercises may help.
Ventilating emotional pain with a professional counselor is a
key part of treatment.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
If the doctor prescribes a
medication, be sure to take it exactly as directed. Because
it may cause drowsiness, don't operate heavy machinery or
drive until you know how the drug affects you. To guard
against dangerous interactions, check with the doctor
before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter
drug.
-
Alcohol doesn't mix well with
the type of medicines prescribed for this problem. Check
with your doctor before taking a drink.
-
There are a variety of
techniques for conquering tension, including deep breathing
exercises, muscle relaxation, meditation, and biofeedback.
Check with your doctor for guidance and
training.
-
Learn more about the problem,
and don't hold back from discussing it with those close to
you. For more information, call or write:
-
-
National Center for Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder
VAM & ROC 116D
Rural Route 5
White River Junction, VT 05009
(802) 296-5132
-
National Institute of
Mental Health
5600 Fishers Lane
Room 15C-05
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 443-2403
-
For Victim Assistance
1757 Park Road, NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 232-6682
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You begin to have thoughts of
suicide.
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