Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

References

Supportive Web Site

WHAT IS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER?

PTSD is caused by experiencing severe psychic trauma.

Psychic trauma is defined as an inescapable event that overwhelms an individual's existing coping mechanisms. Frequently the traumatic event is a war, assault, natural disaster, or accident.

PTSD involves symptoms in each of 3 categories:

Persistent re-experiencing of the event
Avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma
Symptoms of increased arousal

Biological Features

Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
Pathways from the locus ceruleus (Noradrenergic transmission) mediate the symptoms of hyperarousal
Temperamental/genetic factors influence the response to stress

Biological Treatment

There is no clear pharmacologic treatment of choice for PTSD
Treatment of depression or anxiety symptoms is recommended
Many other medications have been given anecdotal support

Psychosocial Treatment

Cognitive-behavioral approaches have been established; the initial focus is on relaxation training; hypnosis is also used
Psychodynamic approaches may involve abreaction of the event
Education about PTSD (especially the risk of developing a substance-related disorder) and group therapy are helpful

Prognosis

The prognosis is variable; over 75% of patients either recover or have mild symptoms; 10% have chronic severe symptoms
The old and young tend to have a more complicated course
Pre-existing psychiatric conditions worsen the prognosis

Jacobson, J. & Jacobson, A. (2001). Psychiatric Secrets. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus, Inc.

On September 11, 2001, news of the tragedies in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC, was broadcast to the nation. Many adults and children watched hours of television reports with numerous replays of the disasters. Events of that day have continued to shock and sadden the people of the United States. The emotional impact remains.

What are the ways that support can be offered to people who were traumatized by this event? Click here for further information on PTSD.