The Debilitating Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event – either experiencing it or witnessing it. Whichever way it occurs, that person is mentally, emotionally, and physically thrust into a horrific situation. It was first brought to the medical community’s attention due to the overwhelming number of combat veterans that suffered from it; hence the original names of “shell shock” or “battle fatigue”. Many things are happening to or going on in their body and mind all at once: fear, shock, disgust, disbelief, pain, anger, fright, panic, and more. Their safety is threatened, and they feel helpless. The senses are overloaded …show more content…
The doctor will begin an evaluation by getting a complete medical history and physical exam. He may talk with the patient’s family to get a better idea of his home life and upbringing. He may order various tests to rule out other physical illnesses. The patient may be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist to see if any other mental health issue is present. The doctor then determines the symptoms and degree of dysfunction indicated. A treatment plan is formulated. It is designed around the patient’s specific needs and capabilities. This is usually a long road back to full functioning for some. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, physical ailments, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. They may start within weeks or months of the traumatic event, but sometimes the symptoms may not appear until years after. They usually cause significant problems within social or employment situations and in …show more content…
People are affected in different ways. Each person is unique in his ability to manage fear and stress. Some people could witness a bank robbery and not think a single thing about it in the aftermath, while others would forever be traumatized. One single event could strain a human being’s mindset for the rest of his life. For some, it is the continued abuse over a period of time. We know that people of all ages can have post-traumatic stress disorder. However, there are factors that could make someone more susceptible to developing PTSD after a terrifying event. These people usually have experienced a long-lasting or intense trauma; for example, a kidnapping victim. Others have had trauma early in life, usually childhood neglect or physical/sexual abuse. Unfortunately, young children with PTSD may suffer from delayed development in language and motor skills. They may also act out the trauma through play, stories, or drawings. They may either become very aggressive and now be the abuser themselves, or be utterly withdrawn. There are those who already have other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. Also, there are those people who do not have a good support network of co-workers, family, and friends to help them. Doctors also believe that the way a person’s brain regulates the chemicals and hormones in their body could release certain responses to
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event – either experiencing it or witnessing it. Whichever way it occurs, that person is mentally, emotionally, and physically thrust into a horrific situation. It was first brought to the medical community’s attention due to the overwhelming number of combat veterans that suffered from it; hence the original names of “shell shock” or “battle fatigue”. Many things are happening to or going on in their body and mind all at once: fear, shock, disgust, disbelief, pain, anger, fright, panic, and more. Their safety is threatened, and they feel helpless. The senses are overloaded …show more content…
The doctor will begin an evaluation by getting a complete medical history and physical exam. He may talk with the patient’s family to get a better idea of his home life and upbringing. He may order various tests to rule out other physical illnesses. The patient may be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist to see if any other mental health issue is present. The doctor then determines the symptoms and degree of dysfunction indicated. A treatment plan is formulated. It is designed around the patient’s specific needs and capabilities. This is usually a long road back to full functioning for some. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, physical ailments, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. They may start within weeks or months of the traumatic event, but sometimes the symptoms may not appear until years after. They usually cause significant problems within social or employment situations and in …show more content…
People are affected in different ways. Each person is unique in his ability to manage fear and stress. Some people could witness a bank robbery and not think a single thing about it in the aftermath, while others would forever be traumatized. One single event could strain a human being’s mindset for the rest of his life. For some, it is the continued abuse over a period of time. We know that people of all ages can have post-traumatic stress disorder. However, there are factors that could make someone more susceptible to developing PTSD after a terrifying event. These people usually have experienced a long-lasting or intense trauma; for example, a kidnapping victim. Others have had trauma early in life, usually childhood neglect or physical/sexual abuse. Unfortunately, young children with PTSD may suffer from delayed development in language and motor skills. They may also act out the trauma through play, stories, or drawings. They may either become very aggressive and now be the abuser themselves, or be utterly withdrawn. There are those who already have other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. Also, there are those people who do not have a good support network of co-workers, family, and friends to help them. Doctors also believe that the way a person’s brain regulates the chemicals and hormones in their body could release certain responses to