by Bellewriter

Created on: May 24, 2008   Last Updated: May 28, 2008

According to the current DSM-IV (the current manual for classification and diagnosis of psychological disorders) classification, PTSD is an anxiety disorder. A reaction to a traumatic event normally ranges from 1-3 months and beyond this it may be symptomatic of a disorder (depression, anxiety, or PTSD) The victims or at risk persons of PTSD are those that may have been exposed to several instances for traumatic events. For example, the common stressors that trigger PTSD areas follow:

Serious motor vehicle accidents, plane crashes and boating accidents
Industrial accidents
Natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions)
Robberies, muggings and shootings
Military combat (PTSD was first diagnosed in soldiers and was known as shell shock or war neurosis)
Rape, incest and child abuse
Hostage situations and kidnappings
Political torture
Imprisonment in a concentration camp
Refugee status
In recent years there have been several events that have occurred around the world that have researchers taking a closer look at the classification and diagnosis of PTSD. For example, the tragic terror events of 9/11, the natural disaster Hurricane Katrina, and the participants and survivors of the multiple wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Desert Storm.
Studies have shown that only 7-10% of adults exposed to a traumatic event will ever develop the symptoms of PTSD. Although children are also victims the major research has focused on adults. PTSD is a relatively new diagnostic category in the history of psychology.2 Some of the signs that a person may be experiencing PTSD are
Flashbacks, or reliving the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time
Shame or guilt
Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event
Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Feeling emotionally numb
Irritability or anger
Poor relationships
Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much
Hopelessness about the future
Trouble sleeping
Memory problems
Trouble concentrating
Being easily startled or frightened
Not enjoying activities you once enjoyed
Hearing or seeing things that aren't there
Some of which are classified further as having an Acute PSTD or PTSD with delayed onset.
Although the cause of this disorder is not clear there are treatments that are successful in treating PTSD. Prevention through support groups and counseling are the most productive forms of therapy but occasionally there are cases where further treatment is necessary.
Some forms of treatment include:
1. Medications: antidepressants, anti anxiety drugs, mood stabilizers, and Beta-blockers are some of the medications used varied by the most prominent symptoms.
2. Psychotherapy: Psychodynamic, cognitive, and play therapy are all therapies used to help those who experience memory problem, dysfunctional emotional reactions, and physical symptoms related to stress.
3. Experimental techniques: Virtual reality (exposure therapy) test are now being used to treat those involved in the Iraq war and help prevent avoidance. "One of the hallmarks of P.T.S.D. is avoidance Patients spend an awful lot of time and energy trying not to think about it or talk about it (Iraq). But behaviorally, avoidance is what keeps the trauma alive."
4. Learning coping skills: Methods used to help individuals enjoy and participate in daily activities.

In conclusion, Post traumatic stress disorder while gaining a more significant prognosis among mental health professionals, is a preventable, treatable anxiety disorder.

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