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Not everyone who
experiences a traumatic event develops PTSD. Doctors are
not sure of the exact cause, or why some have severe
symptoms and some don’t. They think it may be related to
differences in brain structure, or individual chemistries
that affect the way people deal with stress. Women seem to
be twice as likely as men to develop PTSD. Risk factors for
developing PTSD are: a history of being physically,
sexually, or emotionally abused; working in an occupation
that involves exposure to trauma, such as firefighters,
military, police, or medical personnel; current depression
or mental illness or history of depression/mental illness;
drug or alcohol abuse; lack of social support; and being a
survivor of traumatic events such as natural disasters,
accidents, fires, or terror attacks.
The symptoms of PTSD
can start within one month, up to several years after the
event. The symptoms can also come and go. The severity
depends on how severe the trauma was, and how long it
lasted. The symptoms can be physical, but primarily
mental/emotional: intrusive thoughts and memories,
nightmares, and flashbacks; efforts to avoid places or
people that may trigger feelings and reminders; feeling
detached or unable to connect to loved ones; feeling
depressed, hopeless, or numb; feeling guilty; feeling
irritable with angry outbursts; experiencing
hypersensitivity, always on guard, and easily startled;
trouble sleeping or concentrating; headaches;
self-destructive or risky behavior; substance abuse; and
elevated heart rate, blood pressure, or respiratory rate.
I was at a business
conference last week with a young lady who lost everything
when Houston was hit by Hurricane Harvey. She coped by
working to collect supplies and clothing for other people.
She said she still felt numb; she didn’t want to leave the
conference and the supportive people because she nothing to
return to…nothing. I have a friend whose parents and all
siblings live on what is left of Puerto Rico. For many
days, she had no contact, and didn’t know anything about
their welfare. That was also traumatic for her. She still
cries as she fills her gas tank in Ohio, knowing that her
people must wait many hours in long lines to get just a
containerful of gas.
If the symptoms last
over one month, or if they are severe; an appointment should
be made with the Primary Care Provider (PCP). If there are
suicidal thoughts, or risk of harm to others; 911 should be
called immediately. A diagnosis of PTSD is made based on
the symptoms. There are also questionnaires that help to
assess severity. The PCP may refer to a specialist for
evaluation and treatment. Early intervention helps to
prevent severe effects. Support groups, prayer,
medications, and psychotherapy may be helpful. The main
treatment for PTSD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
This treatment is with a psychotherapist, and helps to
control fear and anxiety. Other treatments include stress
management, medications for depression and anxiety, and
mind-body techniques by licensed professionals that also
address depression and anxiety. General healthy lifestyle
habits also help mind and body; such as healthy diet, light
exercise, balanced multi-vitamins and minerals, and
avoidance of addictive substances.
The prognosis? If the
symptoms don’t resolve in three months, the condition is
referred to as ‘chronic’. In this chronic state, the
symptoms can range from mild to debilitating. The most
helpful thing would be to get help as soon as possible.
Contact Dianne Hart Pettis, CRNP
724-375-7519 |
