Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder or (PTSD) is defined as being caused by exposure to violent events such as rape, domestic violence, child abuse, war, accidents, natural disasters and political torture. PTSD has effected thousands of people and it affects children, adults, men and women. It was thought to be a disorder of war veterans who had been involved in combat, but research studied reveals that PTSD can result in many types of trauma especially those being life-threatening. It's been called shell shock, battle fatigue, accident neurosis and post rape syndrome. PTSD has often been misunderstood or misdiagnosed even though it has specific symptoms and is a serious mental illness. Although according to a recent survey it is a rare mental illness even among Vietnam combat veterans where it is commonly associated. The symptoms of PTSD may simply be a normal reaction to witnessing a traumatic experience. Only if the symptoms persist longer than three months it is then classified as part of the disorder. Sometimes symptoms arise months or even years later after the event. Psychiatrists categorize PTSD's symptoms in three categories: intrusive symptoms, avoidance symptoms and symptoms of hyperarousal.
This is a flashback so strong that the person thinks he or she is actually experiencing the trauma again or seeing it before their eyes and at times re-experiencing occurs in nightmares. Sometimes the re-experience comes in a rush of painful emotions that have no cause. These emotions are grief that causes tears, fear or anger. Another set of symptoms is called avoidance phenomena. This affects the person's relationships with others and he or she often avoids close emotional ties with family and friends. The person feels numb and can complete only routine, mechanical tasks. Often they are incapable of performing the necessary energy to respond appropriately in a healthy environment. Frequently, people who suffer from PTSD say they cannot feel emotions especially towards those whom are closest to them. Emotional numbness and lack of interest in activities may be difficult issues to explain to a therapist. This is vital in children who suffer from PTSD and therefore observers such as family members, parents, teachers are crucial in providing information. A person with PTSD also avoids situations that are reminders of the traumatic event because the symptoms could get worse when he or she is reminded of the original trauma. Over time he or she can be become so terrified that situations of their daily life are controlled by their attempts to avoid them. Children suffering from PTSD may show a change towards their future, assuming they are not expected to marry or have a career. The last category of symptoms is called hyperarousal. He or she has trouble concentrating or remembering current information and may develop insomnia. Therefore this leads to irritability and cause
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