Abstract Post-traumatic Stress
Post –Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Melissa DiMichele
Psychology 100
June 10, 2011
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder also known as PTSD is an emotional condition that can develop following a terrifying or traumatic event.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder also known as PTSD is an emotional condition that can develop following a traumatic or terrifying event. PTSD has only been recognized as a diagnosis since 1980. This emotional disorder was brought to public attention after soldiers would return home and often referred to as “shell shock or combat fatigue”.
This Disorder can occur at any age and affects approximately eight percent of the adult population. (Michael B. First, 2000) Women are said to be twice more likely than men to develop PTSD. Ethnic minorities are also more likely than Caucasians to develop this as well. This condition may be hereditary based on depression, substance abuse or other anxiety disorders that can accompany PTSD. Some traumatic events that can trigger PTSD are military combat, physical or sexual assault, robbery, mugging, kidnapping, automobile accidents, natural or manmade disasters, terrorist attacks or incarceration. These events can affect a person in a variety of ways. For instance people can have recurrent reactions to the event by having nightmares or feel they keep experiencing the event referred to as flashbacks. Avoidance is when the person will avoid situations that remind them of the event. Finally, people can either have a feeling of being numb or heightened arousal. For example people who experience the feeling of being numb may have a hard time expressing their feelings while others may have hyper arousal which causes irritability, anger and trouble sleeping (NARSAD.com).
In order for a person to be diagnosed with PTSD the person must be exposed to a traumatic event. The event must be re-experienced in recurrent thoughts, dreams,
Psychology 100
June 10, 2011
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder also known as PTSD is an emotional condition that can develop following a terrifying or traumatic event.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder also known as PTSD is an emotional condition that can develop following a traumatic or terrifying event. PTSD has only been recognized as a diagnosis since 1980. This emotional disorder was brought to public attention after soldiers would return home and often referred to as “shell shock or combat fatigue”.
This Disorder can occur at any age and affects approximately eight percent of the adult population. (Michael B. First, 2000) Women are said to be twice more likely than men to develop PTSD. Ethnic minorities are also more likely than Caucasians to develop this as well. This condition may be hereditary based on depression, substance abuse or other anxiety disorders that can accompany PTSD. Some traumatic events that can trigger PTSD are military combat, physical or sexual assault, robbery, mugging, kidnapping, automobile accidents, natural or manmade disasters, terrorist attacks or incarceration. These events can affect a person in a variety of ways. For instance people can have recurrent reactions to the event by having nightmares or feel they keep experiencing the event referred to as flashbacks. Avoidance is when the person will avoid situations that remind them of the event. Finally, people can either have a feeling of being numb or heightened arousal. For example people who experience the feeling of being numb may have a hard time expressing their feelings while others may have hyper arousal which causes irritability, anger and trouble sleeping (NARSAD.com).
In order for a person to be diagnosed with PTSD the person must be exposed to a traumatic event. The event must be re-experienced in recurrent thoughts, dreams,