subject: How Trauma Leads to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [print this page] How To Spot Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Yourself or Others:
Post-traumatic stress disorder may affect each patient differently. Many sufferers report a loss of appetite, fatigue, stomach problems, headache and excessive sweating. Those suffering from post-traumatic stress may also find that they are easily frightened, constantly fearful, are quick to anger, have feelings of hopelessness, are anxious, suffer from stress, become distrusting, or have lost touch with themselves or reality.
Post-traumatic stress disorder generally appears within a few days of experiencing a highly traumatic event. However, some sufferers don't fall victim to the disorder until months or even years afterward. This disorder may cause a person to constantly relive the event through thoughts and memories, which can affect relationships with others, causing a victim to become withdrawn from society. The National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a wealth of information relating to the treatment and caring for a person with PTSD.
When dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, it is important to give a patient adequate time to sort through feelings and recover from the event. Instead of hiding feelings of sadness and grief, it is imperative that a victim be allowed to experience these feelings deeply, as this is an important part of the healing process. Family and friends of a patient should also be supportive, provide a source of strength and understanding and make efforts to gain the victim's trust. Though post-traumatic stress disorder can cause a great deal of pain and fear, it can be handled with proper understanding, patience and time.
Quick Facts About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:
* 8 percent of Americans will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder during their lifetime.
* Of this 8 percent, 10 percent are female and 5 percent are male.
* 5.2 million people are currently suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
* Ethnic minorities, as well as women, are at an increased risk of suffering from post-traumatic stress.
How Trauma Leads to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
