Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd)

Description

PTSD occurs in people that have experienced extremely distressing events such as natural disasters, murder, rape, war, imprisonment, torture, and accidents. Rather than recovering from the event patients frequently re-experience or re-live the trauma and associated symptoms. The symptoms may begin right after the event or may develop months or years later. The recurrence of symptoms can be very debilitating.

Symptoms

Flashback episodes, recurrent distressing memories of the event, repeated dreams of the event, physical reactions to situations that remind one of the traumatic event, feelings of detachment, inability to remember important aspects of the trauma, lack of interest in normal activities, staying away from places or people, difficulty concentrating, exaggerated response to being startled, excess awareness (hyper vigilance), irritability or outbursts of anger, sleeping difficulties.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is established with the history of the symtoms and previous life events.

Treatment

Patients with PTSD may need treatment for depression, alcohol or substance abuse, or related medical conditions before addressing symptoms of PTSD. Behavioral therapy is used to help control symptoms. Medical therapy includes: antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) , and antianxiety medications (benzodiazepines).

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Research

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