Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

symptomatic reactions to extreme traumatic stressors (war, natural or transportation disasters, criminal assault, abuse, hostage situations, etc.) and differ chiefly in the time frame in which the symptoms develop

I am speaking from personal experience, but I do indeed believe signs of amnesia exist with PTSD. I was involved in a drive-by shooting and was shot in the back on 4.3.93. I was age 25 then and the bullet is lodged in my lung. At that time to present, I have noticed I lose my train of thought when speaking to some one and this started back then. I have been in counseling off and on for 14 years, but I still find myself forgetting what I was trying to say. I hope that helps a little.

Symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the trauma, although sometimes it doesn't develop until years later. The symptoms may fade away again within 6 months, for others the problem may become chronic.

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.

Emergency personnel and those directly involved in the traumatic event (and their families). Natural disasters account for about a 5%, while there is a 50% rate among rape and Holocaust survivors.

You can have PTSD at any age, actually it is probably easier to get before your brain is fully developed.

Yes, although it's a psychological disorder, if it's one that effects a person's overall ability to function normally in society, and carry out day to day activites, then PTSD can be classified as a legal & legitimate disability.

Yes, think PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder.

Yes. A traumatic event such as an assault can cause mental disabilities other than PTSD.

PTSD has been recognized for a very long time under tons of different names. From shell Shock to Combat Fatigue, medical professionals have formed a formal diagnose of PTSD in 1980 t the DSM-III.

So it has certainly been recognized for a century and beyond, but the formal use of the specific term PTSD was 1980.

Yes it is normal for someone with post traumatic stress disorder to feel very frustrated and agitated when they are triggered. PTSD affects everyone differently which may cause mood swings and personality disorders.

Trauma (infringement or neglect/abandonment based, as there are two types). Specifically, the higher risk of debilitating symptoms will come not only from a emotional reactivity predisposition (diathesis-stress model), but also from a magnification factor kind of thing of the type of trauma. For instance, if it was pervasive, highly personal, and permanent (total loss of control) these will accelerate a "learned helplessness" response (a la Martin Seligman's theory) and accerbate the trauma effects and severity of the resulting PTSD.

After experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, an individual may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts related to the trauma. They may also experience depression, heightened emotional reactions, and difficulty in relationships. Additionally, some individuals may develop coping mechanisms that can lead to substance abuse or avoidance behaviors. Overall, the impact of trauma can significantly affect mental health and daily functioning.

Therapists don't "stop" PTSD in the sense of making symptoms and intrusive thoughts disappear permanently and completely. However, treatment of PTSD has a several major goals. Part of them depend on what the client wants.

First, it's important to work on safety and grounding. Then we work on identifying the psychological triggers and work on removing the severe and negative responses. Once some of the symptoms reduce, we work on decreasing the unhealthy coping mechanisms. Finally we work on trust and positive relationships.

As things improve, some clients want to work on piecing together their identity and inner strengths. This can be a lengthy process since in PTSD pieces of identity can be fractured and buried under years or decades of survival skills. Some of the processes that get clients through these issues include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Stress Inoculation Training, Imagery Rehearsal Technique, and overall trauma-focused CBT.

Ultimately we will help clients learn to cope with the trauma and find new strengths. But the events don't disappear.

YES

If you are still alive, call poison control immediately.

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional. If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is unconscious (has a decreased level of alertness). If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air. From website: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002806.htm

Children experiencing abuse, the death of a parent, weak parental response to the event, a parent with PTSD symptoms, exposure to the event via the media all increase the possibility of PTSD.

You should have all of your soldiers medically fitted for hearing

protectors and have your soldiers' hearing checked ANNUALLY by medical

personnel.

Yes. Medical use of MJ is legal for the treatment of PTSD in New Mexico.

bombings

*All are high risk factors*

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Women suffer from higher rates of PTSD, and rape is thought to be the most likely trauma that may cause a woman to develop PTSD. This may be due to the intense helplessness of a smaller, less strong woman who is assaulted by a male.

No but it is a sign of diabetes. Have you checked your blood sugar lately? Normal fasting sugar levels should be under 100 and after eating your sugar should not go above 150. If it's higher than that, see your doctor for treatment.

Complex PTSD typically occurs after a prolonged social or personal traumatic event lacking a viable means of escape. A good example of PTSD is with war veterans. You can get more information about this at the Wikipedia. Once on the website, type "Complex post-traumatic stress disorder" into the search field at the top of the page and press enter to bring up the information.

If I were you I wouldn't take st john wort. I've heard that it can make ptsd worse in some cases. I would try wellbutrin or budiproprion (Spelling) instead. Slowly wean from cymbalta. It can make you severely depressed and or manic even if you have never been. Also wellbutrin and the budi meds are the most natural meds they make for ptsd, depression, etc. if that's what your worried about. Good luck! :)