News Archive: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

A diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may follow exposure to an extremely stressful event, such as a fire, rape or mugging, serious accidents, natural or human-caused disasters, or military combat exposure. "Physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms of PTSD include nausea, memory impairment, intrusive visions, anxiety, grief, and guilt," explained Elaine Poncelet, clinical therapist at The Providence Center.

Once PTSD occurs, the severity and duration of the illness varies. "Individuals may react and cope quite differently to such a catastrophic event. In the case of the fire, for example, we can expect a broad range of symptoms based on individual experiences," said Poncelet.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), "Many people with PTSD repeatedly re-experience the ordeal in the form of flashback episodes, memories, nightmares, or frightening thoughts, especially when they are exposed to events or objects reminiscent of the trauma." Other symptoms typically include emotional numbness, guilt, and detachment from others.

"Individuals experiencing PTSD may seem disconnected, may behave in unfamiliar ways or may appear to be in a daze. We need to be conscious of the fact that their state of reality may be altered by their experiences," states Dallas Gulley, community support services director at The Providence Center.

Available Treatments for PTSD
There are a number of different ways to treat PTSD, including "cognitive-behavior therapy, group therapy and exposure therapy, in which the patient gradually and repeatedly relives the frightening experience under controlled conditions to help him or her work through the trauma," according to the NIMH. Medications are also available to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD.

Offering Support
Both Poncelet and Gulley offer the following tips when supporting a friend, family member or co-worker experiencing PTSD:

• Encourage individuals to keep talking and express what they experienced. The best tact is to provide unintrusive yet vigilant support.
  
• Let people know it's okay to express their emotions and cry. This may be difficult for some to do in front of others.
  
• Individuals suffering a loss may not be receptive to the concern and support of others. They may react very calmly, while another may express strong opposition. If your efforts are rebuffed, don't take it personally.
  
• Listen before you offer unsolicited advice. You may have had a similar experience, but individuals react differently, and they may ask for advice later.
  
• No matter what, Poncelet and Gulley agree, "The most important thing to do for someone with PTSD is simply be there, listen and show you care."