When we think of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), people most often think of war veterans who are damaged by traumatic experiences and struggle coping with triggers. However, interestingly, PTSD doesn’t only pertain to war veterans. It stems from any sense of trauma. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: National Center for PTSD,

 

“Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something terrible and scary that you see, hear about, or that happens to you, like:

 

  • Combat exposure
  • Child sexual or physical abuse
  • Terrorist attack
  • Sexual or physical assault
  • Serious accidents, like a car wreck
  • Natural disasters, like a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake”

 

PTSD can develop at any age since trauma happens at any age – even childhood. Individuals suffering from PTSD may also struggle with depression, other emotional instabilities, or substance abuse. Symptoms range from mild to severe. When symptoms are severe it interferes with daily functioning and healthy ways of coping. Symptoms vary in intensity and duration. In some cases people recover within 6 months and others don’t see symptoms until years after the event.

Symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Flashbacks, intrusive memories, reliving the experience
  • Thoughts of danger, for yourself or others
  • Negative moods, feelings, or beliefs
  • Guilt, shame
  • Avoiding situations that seem similar to the event
  • Anxiety, severe emotional stress
  • Self destructive behavior such as substance abuse or self afflictions
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Easily startled or frightened
  • Nightmares

 

When to see a doctor:

 

  • When symptoms intensify or get worse over time
  • You feel out of control of your symptoms
  • If you have disturbing thoughts or feelings for more than a month
  • If you have suicidal thoughts or consider self harm

 

Behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy have been proven to be effective for treating anxiety disorders. Medications may relieve symptoms of anxiety, however, they aren’t cures. If you’ve suffered from a traumatic event and experience symptoms of PTSD, please see a professional therapist or doctor for treatment. If you are in San Diego or it’s surrounding cities, Crownview Medical Group have clinics and available doctors in Carlsbad and Coronado.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

 

References:

What is ptsd. (n.d). American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Retrieved April 14, 2014, from http://www.aaets.org/article125.htm

What is ptsd. (January 17, 2014). U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: National Center for PTSD. Retrieved April 14, 2014, from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/what-is-ptsd.asp

Post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd). (April 15, 2014). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 15, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/basics/definition/con-20022540