Post+Traumatic+Stress+Disorder

__ **Post Traumatic Stress Disorder** __ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): a disorder that can develop following a traumatic event that threatens your safety and makes you fell helpless.

**__ Traumatic events that leads to PTSD: __** > -War > -Natural disasters > -Car/plane crashes > -Terrorist attacks > -Sudden death of loved one > -Rape > -Kidnapping > -Sexual and physical abuse > -Child neglect

-5% of Americans more than 13 million has PTSD -8% of all adults (1 out of 13) will develop PTSD -1 out of 10 women will develop PTSD -Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD - 70% of adults in U.S. experiences a traumatic event, 20% of that will develop PTSD.
 * __ Facts about PTSD: __**

**__ 3 Main Types Of Symptoms: __**  Re-experiencing the traumatic event   Avoiding reminders of the event   Increased anxiety and emotional arousal __**Symptoms of re-experiencing the event:**__  -intrusive, upsetting memories of event   -flashbacks   -nightmares   -feelings of intense distress when reminded of trauma   -intense physical reactions to reminders of trauma:   pounding heart, nausea, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and sweating **__Avoidance and numbing:__**  -Avoiding activities, places, thoughts, and feelings that reminds them of the trauma   -Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma   -loss of interest in activities and life in general   -feeling detached from others and emotionally numb   -sense of a limited future ( don't expect to live a normal life, get married, have a career) __**Anxiety and emotional arousal:**__  -Difficult falling/staying asleep   -Irritability/outbursts of anger   -Difficulty concentrating   -Hypervigilance (red alert)   -Feeling jumpy /easily startled __**Risk Factors:**__  -Previous traumatic experiences(early life)   -Family history of PTSD/depression   -History of physical/sexual abuse   -History of depression or another mental illness   -High level of stress in everyday life   -Lack of support after trauma   -Lack of coping skills __** PTSD is not a sign of weakness, avoiding will harm relationships and ability to function. **__ ﻿    __** In treatments for PTSD you'll: **__   -Explore thoughts and feelings about the trama   -Work through feelings of guilt, self-blame, and mistrust   -Learn to cope with and control intrusive memories   -Address problems PTSD changed in your life and relationships __** Types of treatments for PTSD: **__  Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy: It exposes your thoughts, feelings, and situations that reminds you of the trauma. Family Therapy: Let's your family know what your going through and gives them an understanding of your actions. Medications: Antidepressants helps with the sadness, the worries, or the on the edge attitude. These medicines do not cure PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR) : It frees the fragments of the trauma. **__Self Help and Support:__**  -Reach out to others for support   -Avoid alcohol and drugs   -Challenge your sense of helplessness **__Positive Ways of Coping with PTSD:__**  -Learn about the trauma and PTSD   -Join a PTSD support group   -Practice relaxation techniques   -Confide in a person you trust   -Spend time with positive people   -Avoid alcohol and drugs **__Help loved ones with PTSD by:__**  -Patience and understanding   -Try to anticipate and prepare for PTSD triggers   -Don't take symptoms of PTSD personally   -Don't pressure your loved one into talking This is what the brain looks like. PTSD heightens levels of norepinephrine, a chemical involved in arousal and stress. It strengthen emotional reactions of the amygdala (involved in fear response). It allows suppress troubling memories and thoughts. Works Cited: []

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http://helpguide.org/mental/post_traumatic_stress_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm