Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Information and Coping Skills

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people worldwide.  PTSD's causation is a traumatic event, often involving injury or near death experiences.  It is a type of Anxiety Disorder, and its effects can be very devastating for those who suffer from it.  It can be caused by a terrifying situation where a person has been threatened as well.  PTSD strikes all different types of people in all economic classes and parts of the world.  Many military personnel who have been in combat suffer from the disorder.  Those afflicted can feel fear and fright even when there is no longer the danger associated with that fear. 
Symptoms of PTSD include:
Flashbacks- the event recurring over and over again in the person's mind
Recurrent memories of the traumatic event or situation
Dreams- consistent and repeated dreams about the event or situation in which the person suffered trauma
Emotions- numbness of emotions, feelings of not caring about anything
Detachment- feelings of detachment in general
Interest- lack of interest in activities, hobbies, and everything in general
Memory- inability to remember important moments regarding the traumatic event
Future- feeling as though the future is grim or non existent, hopelessness
Guilt- Guilt about the traumatic event
Concentration- lack of concentration, inability to do daily tasks.
There are many other symptoms of PTSD, however, these are some of the main symptoms that are displayed regarding PTSD.
As far as treatment of PTSD, psychotherapy is of great assistance.  Helping the person with PTSD to recall the event, express feelings about the event, and give a sense of control over the traumatic event can help tremendously.  Treatment for depression via medication and psychotherapy may be needed as well.  Anti-depressants are very effective in assisting some who have been diagnosed with PTSD.  SSRI's such as Prozac can be especially helpful.  Behavioral therapy may be needed to treat symptoms of avoidance of the traumatic event. 
PTSD can be delayed for months after the event, or can occur immediately after.  Some cases of PTSD show up even years later.  Many suffer from long-term PTSD, though many begin to feel better approximately three months after the traumatic experience has occurred, usually if the person has symptoms immediately after the event.  PTSD can occur at any age, and though a traumatic event can cause stress for most people, not all develop PTSD.  Stress response for those with PTSD changes, as well as stress hormones and chemicals, as well as neurotransmitters.
For further information, please visit www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder