What symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder does a domestic violence victim show?

Answer 1

In order for an individual to be diagnosed with PTSD he/she must meet six specific criteria. 1. Exposure to a traumatizing event. 2. Re-experiencing the trauma (this is typically flashbacks during wake and/or sleep cycles, but may also include intrusive thoughts, memories, or unrest during situations that physically or emotionally remind the individual of the initial trauma. 3. Evidence of avoidance behaviors. (This can be physical i.e. avoiding any person, place, or object that reminds the individual of the trauma, or Emotional i.e. psychic numbing or the inability to feel emotion when reminded of the initial trauma. 4. Increased physical alertness or hyperarousal. (Restlessness, insomnia, panic attacks, bouts of rage, etc.) 5. The above symptoms must last for at least one month. 6. The above symptoms significantly affect one or more areas of the individuals life. Each of these symptoms may have multiple manifestations that are different for each individual. However, the basics are usually similar. A person who is traumatized by domestic violence may flinch when approached too quickly, or he/she may panic when there is yelling or loud noises. Anything that reminds the individual of the initial trauma can induce a fight-or-flight syndrome, in which the body and brain believe that the individual is in mortal danger. If you suspect PTSD, it is very important to be evaluated by a mental health professional. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and usually requires treatment. Without treatment the symptoms may cycle, sometimes they appear to be gone completely, but there is a risk of re-traumatization.