It is evident that individuals react differently to certain events that seem to psychologically and emotionally affect them. While some are able to deal with the traumatic experience, others developthe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This anxiety disorder is an emotional illness that usually builds up in an individual who is unable to cope with a traumatic event (Rubin, 2007).
Though some individuals portray immediate symptoms after the event, others may take a whilebefore exhibiting the symptoms. This becomes a worrying trend as the individual is likely to become distressed. Diagnostic symptoms for this disorder include reliving the traumatic events, avoiding such things that may serve as reminder of the event, numbness and increased levels of arousal.
PTSD is a rising concern to the society. Recent studies indicate that approximately 7.5% to 8% of Americans are likely to develop this disorder in their lifetime (Egan, 2010). It has further been argued that the occurrence of PTSD is estimated to be higher in sexual abused victims and combat veterans.
However, it is evident that some segments of the society are more affected by the disorderthan others.Minority communities such as African Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics have recorded higher rates of PTSD disorder as compared to other communities such as the Caucasians.
This can be attributed to the high level of dissociation between the members of the minority communities. The minority groups alsoreceive less social support due to racism perceptions towards the groups hence resulting to higher rates of PTSD. The studies also indicate a likelihood of more women suffering from the disorder as compared to the men in the United States.
PTSD patients are encouraged to get immediate treatment to avoid future consequences. The health professionals administer different treatments depending on the severity of the disorder in a patient. The treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms that the patient seems to be experiencing so that the individual can be able to deal with the traumatic experience. During treatment, the patient is allowed to explore their minds regarding the trauma to enable them work through their mixed feelings of guilt and self-blame.
The common treatments administered to patients suffering from PTSD are psychotherapy, medication or a combination of the two (Kinchin, 2004). This is attributed to the fact that people respond differently to each kind of treatment. Psychotherapy treatment helps the patient to talk about the traumatic experience to a mental health professional.
This helps the patient to reduce anxiety that is associated with the trauma. This type of treatment has proved to be effective to most patients as it helps them deal with the traumatic event and accept what happened. It also provides tips on how to relax and manage certain feelings such as guilt, anger or even self-blame.
Medications such as Sertraline and paroxetine have been used to treat PTSD patients. This kind of treatment relies on antidepressants medication to maintain and control the symptoms. However, this kind of treatment has not been effective due to the side effects of the medication.
It is important to note that most patients tend to experience stigma as a result of PTSD. Being a deliberating condition, it can result to great emotional distress that is likely to affect the relationship with their colleagueseither at school or at the workplace. This may lead to the patient suffering from low self-esteem and other social disorders such as anxiety, depression or even disorders that are associated with use ofsubstance.
In conclusion, it is evident that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder continues to be a health issue in the society. Mechanisms should be put in place to deal with this mental disorder in order to avoid further consequences such as suicidal attempts and ideations. Individuals who have the symptoms associated with the disorder should be encouraged to seek out treatment to help them deal with the disorder.
Reference List
Egan, S. (2010). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. New York: Nova Science Pub Inc.
Kinchin, D. (2004). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:The Invisible Injury. Great Britain: Success Unlimited.
Rubin, A. (2007). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (ptsd). London: Oxford University Press.