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The Aftermath of Trauma

Most people have had a traumatic experience themselves, or have been aware of one having happened to someone close to them. The awareness can be direct, as in having witnessed the event, or indirect. Humans have natural defenses and coping mechanisms to deal with such large stressors. Sometimes though, the natural reactions become unnatural. While severe trauma will and should affect a person's everyday life, it is not normal for the traumatic memory to take over a life or to cause negative symptoms for more than one month. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is the name for serious problems coping with traumatic events from the past.

Qualifying Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

While many parts of life are stressful and feel threatening, not every traumatic scenario will qualify a person to be diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The specific disorder is related to symptoms occurring after an event that was life-threatening or caused serious risk to the physical body. Mental or emotional situations are not considered part of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The symptoms after the fact of a traumatic event are many. The most common symptom is for the victim to relive the event over and over again. They may feel guilt for not doing something or for doing something that they feel may have changed the outcome of the event. The moments are replayed during the day as well as in dreams at night. The person is on guard when it comes to reminders of the event and in general. A car accident victim may choose not to get back into a car, and proximity to vehicles may make them nervous. As with most psychological disorders, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder will significantly affect a person's ability to function in day to day activities and in normal routines.

Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The treatments can be very difficult for this particular disorder. Many psychiatrists recommend desensitization to the upsetting stimuli. When a person has been in a life-threatening situation, it can wreak havoc on the emotions to try to stand up to the painful memories. Treatments may also include medication, depending on the symptoms that are most bothersome at the given time. A patient and psychiatrist will need to maintain open communication in order to best follow up with the treatments of the disorder.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is most common in people who live in dangerous environments. The proximity of the individual to a traumatic event may also play a role in their susceptibility. Still, all people are different, and there is no way to tell who is more or less susceptible to having to deal with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Children as well as adults, men as well as women, and people from all cultural backgrounds have had to deal with the disorder. Some are living after personal experiences, while others have been witnesses of the pain of others. Some theorize that all people are susceptible, and it is only a matter of how much trauma an individual can handle. Triggers are all set at different levels. Since there are increasing evidences, pieces of information and treatment options, there is hope for those suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Frances, Allen MD and First, Michael B. MD. Your Mental Health: A Layman's Guide to

the Psychiatrist's Bible. New York: Scribner, 1998.