Symptoms Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder example essay topic

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also commonly known as PTSD, is a disabling mental state that is linked with experiencing first hand life-altering and physically threatening events that include, but are not limited to, military wars and combat, natural disasters and other human-caused traumas such as attacks, muggings or rapes. People involved in such major events as the terrorist attacks on America on September 11th, the Oklahoma City bombing and hurricanes Andrew and Hugo are easy targets for severe mental lapses that can be symptoms of PTSD. Not only can the actual victims, however, be affected by this disorder. Friends and family members of the victims can also suffer. The symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are not physical and are usually not noticeable to anyone who is not themselves experiencing the effects. There are, however, some unique cases in which the victim can act ill-tempered and cross.

The National Institute of Mental Health describes the symptoms: Many people with PTSD repeatedly re-experience the ordeal in the form of flashback episodes, memories, nightmares, or frightening thoughts, especially when they are exposed to events or objects reminiscent of the trauma. Anniversaries of the event can also trigger symptoms. People with PTSD also experience emotional numbness and sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and irritability or outbursts of anger. Feelings of intense guilt are also common. Most people with PTSD try to avoid any Colli flower 2 reminders or thoughts of the ordeal. PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last more than 1 month.

(NIMH) People with PTSD may lack self-esteem or have relationship problems or may seem disconnected from their lives. Other problems that may mask or intensify symptoms include psychiatric problems including depression, dissociation or other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder; self-destructive problems such as drug and alcohol abuse; and physical complaints such as chronic pain or fatigue, cramps, breathing problems and eating disorders (PTSDAlliance). One of the most at-risk factors for experiencing PTSD is the participation in warfare in a military setting, in which the victim is witness to mass killings of a more destructive and graphic nature. The scenes and pictures that veterans of past wars have seen remain etched in their memories for months, and in severe cases years following the traumatic experience. Statistics show that the involvement in military combat leaves a person at a 22.7% chance of experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Research also demonstrates that of the 70% of people that will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, 20% will proceed to be victims of PTSD (PTSDAlliance).