Traumatic events can trigger psychological disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. This psychological disorder is rooted in anxiety or panic, and can be caused by floods, earthquakes, accidents, abuse, and other frightening events. Traumatic experiences overwhelm normal biological and psychological mechanisms, and can result in behaviors that are uncontrollable and confusing for everyone involved.
The feelings of helplessness, terror, and loss of control are overwhelming. Treating post-traumatic stress is easier when the signs of this anxiety disorder are known.
A Brief History of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Freud first touched on this anxiety disorder with his investigation of hysteria – he linked abuse and violence to symptoms of psychological trauma. He worked with women mostly, and was dismissed by most of his colleagues. They didn't realize Freud was helping people survive post-traumatic stress disorder.
It was after World War I when psychologists and other investigators noticed many war veterans exhibiting symptoms of Freud's hysteria. The vets were unable to talk, feel, see, or move – and yet they had no physical injuries. Some psychiatrists attempted to minimize the pain and stress the vets were feeling, but they didn't quite know what they were dealing with. They didn't know the war veterans were surviving post traumatic stress disorder.
It was the Vietnam War that led the American Psychiatric Association to recognize post-traumatic stress disorder as a genuine psychiatric disorder. Veterans of the Vietnam War came forward, and eventually large scale studies of the psychological effects of military combat were conducted. Psychologists learned how to help people survive post-traumatic stress.
Causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Any traumatic experience can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. Assault, child abuse, and other acts of violence can cause this anxiety disorder. Seeing a parent harmed can severely affect your emotions and growth, and lead to feelings of rage and vulnerability. Surviving post-traumatic stress involves recognizing the signs and complications.
Complications of Post Traumatic-Stress Disorder
Survivors of post-traumatic stress disorder are more likely to experience substance abuse, depression, phobias, learning disorders, chronic pain syndrome, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, and other psychological challenges. It's difficult to work, sleep, enjoy life, and build intimate relationships when you're dealing with severe anxiety attacks.
Feelings of intense fear, helplessness, or horror are at the root of post-traumatic disorder – which spill over into every aspect of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
People who are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder:
- Have preexisting psychologically or physiologically vulnerabilities
- Suffered a physical injury during the traumatic event, most often to the head
- Lack social support, such as friends or family
Children and the elderly are the most common victims of post-traumatic stress disorder – especially children. Females may be more likely to experience it; sexual assault is the most common reason for women, and combat is the most common reason for men. Personality traits may also be a factor in treating post-traumatic stress disorder successfully.
The more severe the trauma, the more likely post-traumatic stress disorder is. For help surviving PTSD, read Treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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