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PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may arise after experiencing one or more events in which serious physical danger or harm occurred or was likely to occur. It is a continuous and extreme emotional reaction.

Some sources of trauma include experiencing or witnessing the following: childhood or adult abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional); assault; accidents, surgeries, illnesses, combat, disasters, kidnapping, torture, and car accidents.

The two main categorizations of the diagnosis of PTSD are the re-experiencing dimension (flashbacks, nightmares, startle reactions, avoidance of situations similar to that of the initial trauma) and the emotional numbing dimension. This latter dimension may contribute to consequent substance abuse, marital and social conflicts, hypervigilance, and the inability to talk about certain aspects of the trauma.

There are 2 psychotherapeutic interventions of note for PTSD, cognitive-behavior therapy and EMDR, which appear to be equally effective according to available outcome research. Medications, especially antidepressants, may also be very helpful in the treatment of this condition.

It is highly recommended that people who have experienced trauma seek counseling from a specialist, who can help assess the problem, recommend medication consultations as needed, and provide intervention not just for the PTSD symptoms but for other problems (alcohol abuse, hostility, social withdrawal, suicidality, marital conflict) which may occur subsequent to the trauma.