POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Often associated with military, PTSD occurs at some point after being in a traumatic event , or observing a traumatic event, (such as observing something traumatic, being in a car accident, being raped, assaulted, or having been in the horrors of war). Often reported ‘flashbacks’ ( vivd images while awake of the traumatic event) after the event. Also these symptoms can occur nightmares, easily startled, sleep issues, panic, feeling detached, hyper vigilant. Other symptoms such as irritability, outburst of anger, isolation, feelings of guilt and low confidence about one’s self are also attributed to PTSD. Complex PTSD or c-PTSD is a condition that includes PTSD symptoms with additional symptoms. While this is often a disorder associated with shame and guilt, CBT has been shown to be extremely effective in the treatment of this disorder.
POTENTIAL REASONS FOR ONSET of PTSD
- Natural disaster
- Military combat
- Sexual violence
- Secondary trauma
- History of mental or medical health conditions
- Kidnapped
- Terrorism
- Being in a car accident
- Abuse (including being bullied)
- Violent personal assault
- Being diagnosed with life threatening illness
RESOURCES
PTSD National Center for PTSD
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
BOOKS
The PTSD Workbook, Mary Beth WIliams, Ph.D,LCSW, CTS, Soli Poijula, PH.D