Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

We live in a society that greatly values self-reliance and the ability to overcome diversity. It is common for people to feel that no matter what trauma or hardship they face, they should be able to pick themselves up and get over it. And it is true that in most cases, the grief and pain diminish over time and life becomes fairly normal again. But sometimes people experience life-threatening or life-changing events that are so distressing that the memory does not fade. For these people, the trauma becomes "stuck" in the brain and relived over and over, seriously hindering their ability to resume their lives. This condition, known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is one of the five types of anxiety disorders.

Though similar symptoms have been recorded since ancient times, the first clear documentation of PTSD appeared in medical literature during the Civil War. Careful research began after the Vietnam War and the 1988 National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study estimated that 30 percent of veterans had experienced PTSD at some point since returning from Vietnam. PTSD is not specific to war veterans, however. An estimated five percent of men and 10 percent of women will experience this disorder in their lifetimes. For men, the traumatic events most often associated with PTSD are sexual assault, combat exposure, and childhood neglect and physical abuse; for women, the most common events are sexual assault and molestation, physical attack, being threatened with a weapon, and childhood physical abuse. Three symptom "clusters" are associated with PTSD: Re-living the event - through recurring nightmares or intrusive images during waking hours, accompanied by extreme emotional and physical reactions, such as uncontrollable shaking, heart palpitations and panic. Avoidance and numbing - avoidance of the places, people, thoughts or activities associated with the trauma. Sufferers feel emotionally empty, lost interest in everyday activities, and withdraw from friends and family. Hyper-arousal - irritability, sudden anger, difficulty sleeping, lack of concentration, and being overly alert and easily startled. Treatment for PTSD typically begins with a detailed evaluation and development of a treatment plan that meets the unique needs of the survivor. No particular drug has emerged as a definitive treatment for PTSD, but medication is clearly useful for the symptom relief that makes it possible for survivors to participate in effective psychotherapies. One of the most promising and innovative therapies is Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which integrates many elements of traditional therapies with eye movements or other forms of rhythmical stimulation in ways that affect the brain's information processing system. Fourteen controlled studies support the effectiveness of EMDR, making it the most thoroughly researched method ever used in the treatment of trauma. The research indicates that with EMDR, survivors are able to achieve their therapeutic goals at a rapid rate, with recognizable changes that do not disappear over time. It can be quite difficult to watch a loved one deal with the after effects of trauma. There is worry for the well being of the loved one, but also frustration if your offer of help is rejected. The person may seem distant or may be struggling with the other symptoms that are characteristic of PTSD. Keep in mind these tips for helping your loved one: Encourage the person to seek and continue treatment. This can be difficult because treatment means confronting the trauma and all of the upsetting emotions and memories connected to it. Your encouragement and support during treatment may make all the difference in the world. Listen. Encourage the person to share his or her feelings and be a good listener. That contributes greatly to the healing process. Be patient and have realistic expectations for recovery. The healing process might take several months or longer. Understanding this will help you stay optimistic and supportive when it is needed most. For more resources and information on posttraumatic stress disorder, contact the PTSD Alliance Resource Center; call toll-free 1-877-507-PTSD or visit the PTSD Alliance at www.PTSDAlliance.org.