PTSD Symptoms - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological and physical condition that can be caused by extremely frightening or distressing events.
PTSD can occur after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events such as military combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist attacks, violent deaths, personal assaults including rape, and other situations in which the person felt extreme fear, horror or helplessness.
Many people develop PTSD because someone close to them died suddenly (around 40%). Around 30% of people exposed to such a stressful event will develop PTSD.
PTSD can affect anyone. It is common, and affects around 5% of men and 10% of women some time in their life. It can happen at any age, including in childhood. An individual with PTSD often relives the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, has problems with concentrating and sleeping, with feelings of isolation and detachment from life. These symptoms can be lasting and severe enough to significantly impair the persons daily life.
Symptoms usually develop immediately or within three months of a traumatic event, although occasionally they do not begin until years later. PTSD can develop at any age, including in childhood.
Symptoms
Most people who are exposed to a traumatic event, experience some of the symptoms of PTSD. However in most cases the symptoms disappear in the days and the weeks following exposure.
Symptoms of PTSD can include:
• flashbacks, nightmares, or frightening thoughts, especially when exposed to anything reminiscent of the traumatic event,
• sweating and shaking,
• avoidance of reminders of the event and a refusal to discuss the experience,
• numbness and feelings of detachment from others,
• inability to remember aspects of the traumatic event,
• decreased interest in life,
• increased consciousness of ones own mortality,
• flight/fight syndrome,
• problems with concentration,
• problems with sleeping,
• irritability or outbursts of anger,
• hyper-vigilance and alertness to possible danger,
• increased startle reaction re-experiencing the traumatic event,
• feelings of guilt,
• long term behavioural effects,
• alcohol misuse,
• drug dependency,
• failed relationships/divorce,
• severe depression, anxiety disorders or phobias,
• chronic illness headaches, stomach upsets, dizziness, chest pain and general aches and pains, together with a weakened immune system, and
• employment problems.
PTSD often involves periods of symptom remission followed by an increase of symptoms. However some people will experience severe and unremitting symptoms.
Causes
It is not yet completely understood why certain people develop PTSD after a traumatic experience, and others do not. However, there are some risk factors which seem to make PTSD more likely to happen to some people. For example, if you have already had depression or anxiety, or you have not had a lot of support from family or friends, you are more susceptible to the condition.
Having a parent who had a mental health problem, or experiencing abuse as a child can also be risk factors. There may also be a genetic factor involved.
Studies have also shown that in people with PTSD, there are abnormal levels of hormones involved in their response to stress. People in danger normally produce natural opiates. These chemicals trigger a reaction in the body when put under extreme stress or into a fight or flight situation. They deaden the senses and dull the pain. It has been found that people with PTSD continue to produce high levels when there is no danger. This may cause them to have feelings of detachment and blunted emotions.

Treatment
There are various different ways different professionals can use to help you with your PTSD symptoms including medication and psychological therapies. However, research reveals that we make the best and the most lasting progress when we do things and solve our problems for ourselves, in our own way and at our own pace.