by Mario Depeine Sr

Created on: May 27, 2008   Last Updated: May 28, 2008

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder. It was not formally diagnosed until 1980. It has been known as a "soldier's heart," "combat fatigue," as "gross stress reaction," as "post-Vietnam syndrome," and finally as "shell shock."

Post traumatic stress disorder is the extreme stress that one experiences after a very difficult, frightening and often life threatening experience. It may have included actual bodily harm or the threat of bodily harm.

PTSD can happen to anyone, at any age in any setting. Medicinenet.com states that PTSD in children (especially teens) has occurred in more than 40% of that population. The incidence is greater in girls than boys. More than one third of children who are in depressed communities in the midst of community violence will experience PTSD.

The symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder are mostly emotional. There are recurring, frightening thoughts. Someone suffering from PTSD will have difficulty sleeping. That can lead to irritability and nervousness. That individual will be easily startled by any cues that serve as reminders of the traumatic experience. For example, a dropped drinking glass (if it reminds the person of a broken window, for example after a home invasion) may create a big reaction. This would be an example of "flashback." An individual may lose touch with reality as he or she tries to resume "normal life." Others will see all the reactions, absent of any real stimuli.
Emotionally, the person feels numb. There is an overload of emotions to process and understand. The individual may lose interest in things that they normally enjoy. Anniversaries of the event are extremely difficult.

The individual wonders "why me, why didn't someone else experience this?" They may wonder, "what about me caused this to happen?" They may blame themselves. The individual constantly relives the terrible ordeal that they experienced.

The anxiety associated with PTSD will be seen in the form of rapid heart rate, heavy breathing, tightening of muscles and other physical manifestations of stress.

The primary goal of the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder is to restore a balanced emotional state. Since there are so many negative thoughts and experiences associated with PTSD, it is important to help the individual to regain a sense of normalcy again. The individual is taught to live a positive lifestyle. For example, daily exercise is encouraged. Substance abuse and reliance on alcohol is discouraged. Self-destructive

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