Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms and Effects

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition that develops after a person goes through an extremely traumatic experience. These traumatic experiences could be caused by reasons such as near-death, serious physical injury, serious accident, violence, war, torture, any event that causes extreme fear, a horrifying event, or when one feels an extreme sense of helplessness.

PTSD can develop in children, adults, and the elderly. If not recognized and treated, PTSD can have serious repercussions at school, home, and workplace.

Types of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can be categorized into 4 types, and depends solely on the length of time it takes for PTSD to appear and the amount of time it is present. Symptoms for all the 4 types remain the same.

-- Acute Stress Disorder - Symptoms occur within 4 weeks of the traumatic experience and lasts in between 2 days and 4 weeks.
-- Acute Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Symptoms last for more than 4 weeks.
-- Delayed Onset Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Symptoms appear years after the traumatic experience.
-- Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Symptoms last for over 3 months with the symptoms disappearing for a few days and then reappearing.

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
There are a vast number of PTSD symptoms. Most of these symptoms are similar to certain mental ailments, and should not be confused. A physician trained in PTSD will be able to differentiate and make a proper diagnosis, so always be honest and precise in symptom description.

Following are some of the major symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

-- Exaggerated startle response
-- Loss of memory (forgetfulness)
-- Sleep disorders (nightmares and waking up suddenly during the night)
-- Flashbacks / images of the traumatic incident that keeps coming back to haunt you
-- Poor concentration
-- Hypervigilance (very similar to, but not paranoia)
-- Hypersensitivity
-- Extreme irritability
-- Anger over petty issues with violent outbursts
-- Obsessiveness
-- Extreme nervousness and anxiety
-- Muscle aches and pains for no apparent reason
-- Unexplained fear
-- Low self-esteem
-- Lack of confidence
-- Experience a sudden numb feeling
-- Avoiding anything that reminds you of the traumatic experience

Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The effects of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is usually categorized as intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal.

PTSD is categorized as 'Intrusion' when the symptoms appear suddenly and happen when memories of a past traumatic incident keep coming back as flashbacks. These flashbacks could be induced by a variety of triggers such as smell, sight, or sound. Once the flashback is triggered it is almost impossible to stop because the incident seems real with all the emotions involved. Nightmares are a good example of this.

PTSD is categorized as 'Avoidance' when a PTSD sufferer consciously or unconsciously tries to prevent remembering anything related to the traumatic experience. This may involve avoiding those close to you, or those you work with, causing innumerable misery to yourself and those close to you. This could cause tiffs with family and friends, and also be the cause of serious issues such as divorce or career related. All this generally leads to extreme depression which is very difficult to get out of.

PTSD is categorized as 'Hyperarousal' when the symptoms are a result of stimulated nerves and hormones. You could experience severe insomnia, and not remember the entire traumatic experience. During this phase you will have very poor concentration and will get irritated easily. You will get angry over petty issues and have violent outbursts for no valid reason. You will also suffer from frequent startling responses which could be very embarrassing.

PTSD can be treated if you trust yourself with a good physician trained in PTSD treatment. If left untreated, PTSD could remain lifelong, damaging your relations with all around you and causing you innumerable ailments - both physical and mental.