PTSD

=PTSD= In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association announced that would PTSD would be added to the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This was brought on by a long string of mentally affected soldiers from Vietnam war. After the war, men had trouble coming home and living out their lives, that is what PTSD was called “shell shock”, or “combat stress.” Post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that's triggered by an extremely traumatic event. You can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when a traumatic event happens to you or when you see a traumatic event happen to someone else. Many people who are involved in traumatic events or witness them have a brief period of difficulty adjusting and coping. But with time and some healthy coping methods, such traumatic reactions usually get better on their own. In some cases, though, the symptoms can get worse or last for months or even years. Sometimes, they may even completely disrupt a life. In these cases, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder. People of all ages can have post-traumatic stress disorder. It's relatively common among adults, with about 7 percent to 8 percent of the population having PTSD at some point in their lives. In any given year, about 5 million U.S. adults have PTSD. =Signs and Symptoms=

Someone with PTSD will usually show symptoms within three months of viewing the event. In a small number of cases, though, PTSD symptoms may not occur until years after the event. Symptoms my include: · Flashbacks, or reliving the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time · Shame or guilt · Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event · Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event · Feeling emotionally numb · Irritability or anger · Poor relationships · Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much · Hopelessness about the future · Trouble sleeping · Memory problems · Trouble concentrating · Being easily startled or frightened · Not enjoying activities you once enjoyed · Hearing or seeing things that aren't there Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can come and go. You may have more symptoms during times of higher stress or when you experience symbolic reminders of what you went through. For example, some people whose PTSD symptoms had been gone for years saw their symptoms come back again with the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001. These factors may increase you risk of having PTSD:
 * The traumatic event is especially severe or intense.
 * The traumatic event was long-lasting.
 * Having an existing mental health condition.
 * Lacking a good support system of family and friends.
 * Having family members with PTSD.
 * Having family members with depression.

=TREATMENT:= Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment often includes both medications and psychotherapy. This combined approach can help improve your symptoms and teach you skills to cope better with the traumatic event and its aftermath. Several types of medications can help symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder get better. Antidepressants can help symptoms of both depression and anxiety. They can also help improve sleep problems and improve your concentration. Anti-anxiety medications also can improve feelings of anxiety and stress. Which medications are best for you depends on your specific symptoms and situation. You and your doctor will work together to find medications that work well and have the fewest side effects. It may take a few tries, but you may see an improvement in your mood and other symptoms within a few weeks. Several forms of therapy may be used to treat both children and adults with post-traumatic stress disorder. Which form is best for you depends on your symptoms and situation. You may try one type and then a different type of therapy, or combine elements of several. You may also try individual therapy, group therapy or both. Group therapy can offer a way to connect to others going through similar experiences. Some types of therapy used in PTSD treatment include: All these approaches can help you gain control of the fear and distress that happen after a traumatic event. They can help you learn more about why you have certain feelings and thoughts, and how to replace them with more positive and realistic thinking. You may also gain skills in stress management and healthy coping. Through psychotherapy, you learn ways to cope so that you don't feel overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings related to your traumatic experience. Medications and psychotherapy also can help you if you've developed other problems related to your traumatic experience, such as depression, anxiety, alcohol or substance abuse.
 * Medications**
 * Psychotherapy**
 * Cognitive therapy
 * Cognitive behavior therapy
 * Exposure therapy

=HOW TO COPE= Easiest things to do when one realizes that he or she has PTSD are to take care of himself. Feelings about the event might worsen if you are not getting proper nutrition, or exercise. The second most important rule to remember is to not try to self medicate yourself through alcohol or dugs. This will only worsen the situation. = = =CITATIONS:= = = ="national center for post traumatic stress disorder." 02 08 2007 19 01 2008 .= ="PTSD." 12 07 2007 19 01 2008 .=