Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many people feel upset or shocked after a traumatic event they either experienced or witnessed. These feelings can manifest as feeling numb, tearful, shaking, or nauseous when thinking about the traumatic event. However, for some individuals, these feelings can be very intense and debilitating if they last for a prolonged period of time. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has also been known as ‘shell shock’ or ‘battle fatigue’ since symptoms were common in soldiers returning from war. Today, we know that PTSD can affect others who have experienced traumatic events such as:
- Natural disasters
- War or terrorism
- Car accidents
- Domestic violence
- Traumatic child birth
- Child abuse
- Sexual abuse or rape
Symptoms
Treatment
Symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Nightmares
- Nausea, sweating, trembling
- Panic attacks
- Vivid flashbacks of the event
- Intense distress when remembering the event
- Easily startled, upset, or angered
- Irritable or aggressive behaviour
- Self-destructive behaviour
- Feeling emotionally numb
Treatment
The first treatment for PTSD is usually talk therapy. Support groups and medication treatment may also be used.