Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often associated with war veterans. However, many people do not realize that a number of other events can cause PTSD. It is a severe anxiety disorder that can come from a traumatic event involving extreme fear, especially if that fear produces feelings of helplessness. A natural disaster such as a hurricane can cause PTSD among survivors.
While numerous traumatic events can trigger PTSD, some people develop the disorder following a traumatic event while others who experienced the same event will not. A number of factors can make a person more prone to developing PTSD. Factors that increase a person’s risk for developing PTSD include the following:
If you struggle with any of these factors, seek help immediately before dangerous symptoms dominate your life.
The symptoms of PTSD include the following issues:
According to the American Psychiatric Association, to qualify as PTSD these symptoms must persist for more than one month.
When untreated, the symptoms of PTSD can significantly reduce one’s quality of life and increase problems like depression, substance abuse and addiction, problems at work, unemployment, homelessness and suicide.
Professionals are still researching the nature of PTSD and the most effective methods of treatment. While there are a variety of treatment options available, the method that has proven most effective is cognitive behavioral therapy. With effective treatment patients with PTSD can learn to cope with the effects of the trauma, manage their symptoms, find peace of mind and return to a more normal and satisfying life.
If you would like help finding treatment for PTSD, or if you have any questions about PTSD and treatment, please call our toll-free helpline today. Counselors are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you have and to help you find the treatment you need.