-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
mental/emotional
post-traumatic stress disorder
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition: The after-effect of a stressful situation that can cause a chronic complex of emotional and physical symptoms.
etiology: Although a traumatic event is the trigger for the anxiety disorder known as PTSD, not all people experiencing traumatic events acquire the continued acute emotional responses to it.
Another factor in the development of PTSD, outside of the traumatic event, is the person's own innate ability to cope with the stress. While some soldiers become "battle-fatigued" after fighting with the enemy, others emerge from battle exhilarated by the encounter. It is hard to determine who exactly is at highest risk for development of PTSD in situations of severe stress (like soldiers before going to battle, or survivors of a massive natural disaster). Many "strong" people wind up unable to cope with stress while "weak" people can rise to the occasion. For that matter, all who encounter stresses should be made aware of any untoward personality, emotional or physical changes that might signify the beginnings of PTSD.
signs and symptoms
Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD are:
A person experiences an identifiable stress that would elicit symptoms of stress in almost anyone.
The person re-experiences the trauma as noticed by one or more of the following:
» Intrusive and recurrent memories of the event: "Can't get it out of my mind".
» Recurrent dreaming of the event.
» Acute episodes of "reliving" the event: acting out the event or feeling as if it were happening all over again (this type of response is triggered suddenly by a person, place, thing, or occurrence in the environment).
Withdrawing from or numbed to the external world, beginning some time after the traumatic experience, as noticed by one or more of the following:
» Decreased interest in former pleasurable or enjoyed activity (sex, hobby, job, family, sports...).
» Feeling of alienation/estrangement from others.
» Narrowed or flattened emotional range of response.
The development of two or more of the following symptoms that were not present before the traumatic event:
» Sleeping problems.
» Sensitivity to being startled; hypervigilance.
» Guilt over surviving or over actions that were needed to survive.
» Decreased ability to concentrate; forgetfulness; poor memory.
» Avoiding activities that recall the traumatic event.
» Worsening (intensification) of symptoms at events that symbolize or resemble the stressful event.
(DSM-III)
PTSD can therefore include one or all of the following:
mental/emotional:
Anxiety, depression, fear, irritability.
Sleep problems: too much or too little.
Decreased memory; inability to concentrate or focus thoughts.
Recurrent nightmares; flashbacks.
Obsessive thoughts of the stressful event.
Poor work or school performance; withdrawal.
Personality changes; no interest in formerly pleasurable pursuits.
physical:
Increased colds/flus.
Stomach pains; headaches.
Generally lowered immune system functioning causing any number of diseases.
Assorted and various pains.
lab findings:
(+) psychological testing for PTSD.
course and prognosis
PTSD can cause significant life stress to the patient and their family and friends. If untreated, the patient may gradually develop deeper mental/emotional disorders that can lead to suicide or violence against others. PTSD is treatable with psychotherapy, homeopathy and various other therapies to help the patient integrate the horror of the past experience with living now in a healthy and happy manner.
differential diagnosis
Schizophrenia.
Paranoia.
Depression.
footnotes