-note: this is what i have along with ADHD
PTSD is a medical diagnosis, established in 1980, defining symptoms that last at least a month after experiencing a major trauma. These symptoms include remembering or reliving the trauma when you do not choose to; feeling numb and withdrawn; and, having forms of anxiety that interfere with daily life.
"Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of a traumatic event. A traumatic event is a life-threatening event such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or sexual assault in adult or childhood."
It affects nearly eight million American adults
Who can get PTSD?
Anyone who was a victim, witnessed or has been exposed to a life-threatening situation.
Survivors of violent acts, such as domestic violence, rape, sexual, physical and/or verbal abuse or physical attacks.
Survivors of unexpected dangerous events, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack.
Combat veterans or civilians exposed to war.
People who have learned of or experienced an unexpected and sudden death of a friend or relative.
Emergency responders who help victims during traumatic events.
Children who are neglected and/or abused (physically, sexually or verbally).
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
For many people, symptoms begin almost right away after the trauma happens. For others, the symptoms may not begin or may not become a problem until years later. Symptoms of PTSD may include:
Repeatedly thinking about the trauma. You may find that thoughts about the trauma come to mind even when you don’t want them to. You might also have nightmares or flashbacks about the trauma or may become upset when something reminds you of the event.
Being constantly alert or on guard. You may be easily startled or angered, irritable or anxious and preoccupied with staying safe. You may also find it hard to concentrate or sleep or have physical problems, like constipation, diarrhea, rapid breathing, muscle tension or rapid heart rate.
Avoiding reminders of the trauma. You may not want to talk about the event or be around people or places that remind you of the event. You also may feel emotionally numb, detached from friends and family, and lose interest in activities.
These are other symptoms of PTSD:
Panic attacks: a feeling of intense fear, with shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, nausea and racing heart.
Physical symptoms: chronic pain, headaches, stomach pain, diarrhea, tightness or burning in the chest, muscle cramps or low back pain.
Feelings of mistrust: losing trust in others and thinking the world is a dangerous place.
Problems in daily living: having problems functioning in your job, at school, or in social situations.
Substance abuse: using drugs or alcohol to cope with the emotional pain.
Relationship problems: having problems with intimacy, or feeling detached from your family and friends.
Depression: persistent sad, anxious or empty mood; loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities; feelings of guilt and shame; or hopelessness about the future. Other symptoms of depression may also develop.
Suicidal thoughts: thoughts about taking one’s own life. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
How can I feel better?
PTSD can be treated with success. Treatment and support are critical to your recovery. Although your memories won’t go away, you can learn how to manage your response to these memories and the feelings they bring up. You can also reduce the frequency and intensity of your reactions. The following information may be of help to you.
Psychotherapy. Although it may seem painful to face the trauma you went through, doing so with the help of a mental health professional can help you get better. There are different types of therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you change the thought patterns that keep you from overcoming your anxiety.
During exposure therapy, you work with a mental health professional to help you confront the memories and situations that cause your distress.
Cognitive Processing Therapy helps you process your emotions about the traumatic event and learn how to challenge your thinking patterns.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on identifying current life situations that set off traumatic memories and worsen PTSD symptoms.[3]
During Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, you think about the trauma while the therapist waves a hand or baton in front of you. You follow the movements with your eyes. This helps your brain process your memories and reduce your negative feelings about the memories.
Couples counseling and family therapy helps couples and family members understand each other.
Medicine, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, is used to treat the symptoms of PTSD. It lowers anxiety and depression and helps with other symptoms. Sedatives can help with sleep problems. Anti-anxiety medicine may also help.
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