Post traumatic stress disorder – PTSD

Description of PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is anxiety disorder, that develops after trauma. Post-traumatic stress the disorder is also called the military neurosis, because it often develops in participants of hostilities (“the Afghan syndrome”, “Chechen syndrome”).

Causes of post-traumatic stress disorder

The exact cause of post-traumatic stress disorder is unknown. PTSD occurs under the influence of traumatic events. Situation, in which a person feels a strong fear, helplessness or horror are considered traumatic. PTSD occurs in people, who have experienced:

• War;
• Rape;
• Physical attack;
• Earthquake;
• Fire;
• Sexual violence;
• Traffic accident;
• Animal attack.

Now scientists are studying, as problems with synapses (place contact neurons) in the brain may be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Risk factors

Not everyone, who are experiencing traumatic event will develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms Of PTSD, probably, occur for the following reasons:

• Previous traumatic event;
• There were repeated instances of physical violence;
• Weak willpower;
• There is no family support;
• There is constant stress;
• The life in social Wednesday, which cultivates a sense of shame, guilt, or self-loathing;
• Alcohol abuse;
• History of psychiatric disorders.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder

People with PTSD experience symptoms of anxiety. These symptoms can be divided into three categories:

• Repeated experience events:
  • Thoughts and nightmares;
  • Memories;
  • Response to reminders about the event;
  • Hallucinations;
• Dodging:
  • Avoid close emotional contact with family and friends;
  • Avoiding people or places, that reminds about the event;
  • Fruitless attempts to forget about the event;
  • Sense of detachment;
• Excitation:
  • Insomnia or sleeping problems;
  • Anger and irritability;
  • Difficulty concentrating;
  • Short temper.

Physical symptoms may include:

• Problems with digestion and stomach;
• Chest pain;
• Headache;
• Dizziness.

People with PTSD may also abuse alcohol or drugs.

Diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder

The doctor asks about the symptoms and medical history. This can be done by structured interviews and/or questionnaires. Also, probably, will assess the psychological state. PTSD is diagnosed if symptoms, that last more than one month and lead to emotional stress and disruption of vital functions (problems at school, work and/or within the family and with peers).

PTSD is classified depending on the symptoms and duration. There are three types of PTSD:

• Acute – symptoms last 1-3 a month after the traumatic event;
• Chronic – symptoms last for more than three months after the event;
• Delay start – PTSD symptoms do not appear for at least six months after the event.

Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder

There are no treatments and cures of post-traumatic stress disorder. Various methods of treatment can reduce symptoms. PTSD treatment begins after the end of the traumatic event. Initially treated with severe depression, suicidal, as well as drug or alcohol abuse.

Cognitive therapy povedencheskaya

Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves changing thought patterns to improve symptoms. The doctor can teach the patient monitoring techniques and reduce anxiety, stress and anger.

Exposure therapy

In exposure therapy therapist gets images of events in a safe place. For these purposes can be used pictures, movies, pictures. Repeated experience of trauma in a controlled Wednesday may help the patient freed from fear and gain control over anxiety. For Example, a study involving women in the military have found, that exposure therapy effective in relieving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Group psychotherapy

Meeting in a group with other survivors after a traumatic event can be an effective and powerful form of therapy for sufferers of PTSD.

Medication

Medications can help you cope with anxiety, depression and insomnia. Usually, Antidepressants are used, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). To cure some physical symptoms of severe post-traumatic stress disorder, can be used by anti-anxiety drugs for a short period of time and/or beta blockers in long term.

Prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder

Events, that cause of PTSD cannot be predicted and prevented. But, There are some methods, that could prevent the development of PTSD after the event.

• Kognitivnaya povedencheskaya therapy – after acute stressful episodes can help prevent PTSD;
• Social support – social support networks can help to soften the reaction to injury.