Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

From thedailypress.com



Border Lines

Aug 13, 2004, 22:18





Usually, post-traumatic stress disorder is associ-ated with veterans of war. Military men and women who served in high-stress and dangerous situations often exhibit PTSD. But they are not the only victims of this debilitating disorder.

Research has shown that anyone exposed to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened can develop this disorder. Rape, sexual assault and molestation are the most common experiences that produce PTSD.

Traumatic events such as violent assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, or accidents can also trigger PTSD. Even people who witness traumatic events, such as 9/11, can develop the disorder, as can family members of victims.

Many people with PTSD repeatedly re-experience the or-deal in the form of flashback episodes, memories, night-mares or frightening thoughts. Anniversaries of the event can also trigger symptoms.

People with PTSD experi-ence emotional numbness and sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and irritability or outbursts of anger. Feelings of in-tense guilt are also common. Most people with PTSD try to avoid any reminders or thoughts of the ordeal.

PTSD is diag-nosed when symptoms last more than one month.

Scientists have discovered that people with PTSD tend to have abnormal levels of key hormones involved in response to stress. Cortisol levels are lower than normal, and epinephrine and norepinephrine are higher than normal in people with PTSD. Also, it has been discovered that people with this condition have alterations in the function of the thyroid, and in neurotransmitter activity involving serotonin and opiates.

When people are in danger, they produce high levels of natural opiates, which can temporarily mask pain. Scientists have found that people with PTSD continue to produce those higher levels even after the danger has passed; this may lead to the blunted emotions associated with the condition.

It is believed that 5.2 million Americans suffer from PTSD during the course of a year. About 30 percent of men and women who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD at some time. One million war veterans developed PTSD after serving in Vietnam. Veterans of the Iraq War are displaying symptoms.

A person who has survived a trau-matic event will probably never feel as if the event didn't happen, but the disruptive and distressing effects of PTSD are treatable. Strategies may vary depending on the age of the victim, and situation and nature of the trauma. Treat-ment involves managing symptoms, and working through the traumatic event with individual and group psy-chotherapy. Most experts agree that psychotherapy is an im-portant part of recovery. Medications can help reduce some symptoms, allowing psychotherapy to be more effective and relieve the extreme stress victims feel.



To learn more about PTSD, call Border Area Mental Health Services at 388-4412. In Catron County, call 533-6649 for referral; in Luna County, call 546-2174.



For crisis, call 538-3488 or, outside Silver City, 1-800-426-0997.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This column was provided by the staff of Border Area Mental Health Ser-vices.





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