Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was first recognized in the Vietnam War era during the mid to late 1900’s. With great difficulty, many returning veterans tried to adjust to their previous home life but were unable to because of the impacts of combat exposure during the war. The many trauma victims of the war were the main reason why PTSD became a formal diagnosis in 1980 (Lavin). Post-traumatic stress disorder can be defined as the development of characteristic symptoms that last for more than one month, along with difficulty functioning after exposure to a life threatening experience (Lise M. Stevens, Alison E. Burke and Robert M. Golub). An estimated 7% to 8% of people in the United States will develop PTSD at some point in their lifetimes, while combat veterans and victims of sexual assault have an increased risk of 10% to 30% (Lavin). According to the research, this is a fairly common disorder amongst American citizens. There are numerous amounts of symptoms and traumatic triggers that must be clinically assessed in order to receive the proper treatment.

Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder develop symptoms in three categories: re-experiencing the trauma, avoiding stimuli associated with the trauma, and increased autonomic arousal (Roy R. Reeves). Re-experienced may occur though recollections and dreams, flashbacks, and psychological or physiological stress reactions associated with the trauma. Symptoms of avoidance include efforts to avoid thoughts or activities related to the trauma, reduced capacity to remember events related to the trauma, feelings of detachment, and a sense of a foreshortened future. Symptoms of increased arousal include exaggerated reactions to fear, hyper-vigilance, insomnia, irritability, and outbursts of anger. To be diagnosed with PTSD, a patient must display at least one symptom of re-experiencing, three symptoms of avoidance, and two symptoms of increased arousal, while persisting for more than 1 month (Roy R. Reeves) 

Although patients may believe that their Post-Traumatic Stress signs and symptoms come out of nowhere, they rarely occur spontaneously. Instead, they are often triggered by internal and external factors (Lavin). Some of these triggers include: anger and rage reactions, impulsive behavior, chronic anxiety and stress, diaphoresis during flashbacks, irritability, and feelings of depersonalization. Once these PTSD signs are triggered, it I essential to use stress coping mechanisms and strategies to reduce uncovered stress.

           There are many people that are at risk for the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder such as, people with military combat experience, civilians who have been harmed by war, victims of rape, sexual abuse, or physically abuse. People who have been involved in or who have witnessed a life-threatening event, and people who have been involved in a natural disaster, such as a tornado or an earthquake (Lise M. Stevens, Alison E. Burke and Robert M. Golub).

          There are many ways to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, but we are going to focus on cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, group therapy, and knowledge about the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy with a trained psychiatrist, psychologist, or other professional can help adjust emotions, thoughts, and behaviors associated with PTSD and can assist in managing panic, anger, and anxiety. Next, there are certain medications that can reduce symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity, depression, and insomnia and decrease urges to use alcohol and other drugs. In addition, group therapy can help patients learn to communicate their feelings about the trauma and create a support system. Finally, becoming informed about PTSD and sharing information with family and friends can create understanding and support during recovery (Lise M. Stevens, Alison E. Burke and Robert M. Golub).

      Although mentioned above, the importance of education is key and is not stressed enough. The staff members or medical aids should insist on educating their patients about their current disorder, triggers, and coping mechanisms. Shedding light on their conditions and conversing with others for moral support can help reduce or even prevent some stressors from increasing. Also, learning more about the illness could help reduce the sense of powerlessness that many patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder experience (Lavin). Aside from teaching the patients, it is also important to encourage patients to actively participate and be fully committed to their treatment process. Encouraging patients increases their positive life style practices while minimizing the negative ones (Lavin). In turn, all of these coping strategies can help the patient feel more in control of their disorder and possibly even beat it!

-Kyle Lachowicz

Works Cited

Lavin, Joanne EdD, MEd, RN. "Surviving posttraumatic stress disorder." Nursing Management (Springhouse) 43 (2012): 28-33.

Lise M. Stevens, MA, MA Alison E. Burke and MD Robert M. Golub. "Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ." JAMA 308.7 (2012): 1-2.

Roy R. Reeves, DO, PhD. "Diagnosis and Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Returning Veterans." JAOA Clinical Practice 107 (2007): 181-189.