Thursday's Therapy - What Is PTSD?

Thursday's Therapy

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a severe anxiety disorder that develops following exposure to extreme psychological trauma. Throughout history, PTSD has also been known as Railway Spine, Stress Syndrome, Shell Shock, Battle Fatigue and Traumatic War Neurosis.

About 5.2 Million Adults Suffer from PTSD during a given year. 

About 7 - 8% of people in the United States will have PTSD at some point in their lives.

About 10% of women develop PTSD some time in their lives, compared with only 5% of men.

About 30% of Vietnam veterans experience PTSD.

About 10% of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans experience PTSD.

About 11-20% of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars experience PTSD.

What is a Traumatic Event?

• Witnessing Death or Injury

• Physical Assault

• Combat

• Sexual Assault

• Accidents

• Natural Disaster

• Child Sexual Abuse

Note of Interest

A 2008 Study estimated that 300,000 U. S. Soldiers would return from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from PTSD -- and too few would receive treatment.

What are Symptoms of PTSD?

• Numbness

• Guilt

• Anger

• Bad Memory

• Hopelessness

• Self-Destruction

• Nightmares

• No Focus

• Shame

• Insomnia

• Hallucinations 

• Flashbacks

Note of Interest

One of the first descriptions of PTSD was made in 490 B.C. when Herodotus described an Athenian soldier going blind after witnessing the death of a fellow soldier.

What Causes PTSD?

• Direct exposure to trauma as a victim or witness

• Serious harm during a traumatic event

• Feeling helpless during a traumatic event.

• Belief that you or a close relative were in danger during a traumatic event.

• Experiencing a trauma that was long lasting or very severe.

Content via  http://ptsddiary.com/?page_id=916