Symptoms of PTSD may be debilitating or mild. In the early stages of stress,
sufferers may not understand their condition, or feel that they are “losing
their mind.” During mild episodes of stress, victims may be able to manage
painful memories with anti-anxiety medications. However, if the severity of the
condition increases, medical attention is necessary. Signs of post-traumatic
stress disorder include:
Flashbacks or reliving traumatic events: Sufferers may
temporary lose their sense of reality. Their mind takes them back to the event,
and they relive feelings associated with the experience.
Becoming emotionally distraught over seemingly unimportant events:
Those with post-traumatic stress disorder may become emotionally distraught
after viewing the news, television programs, or hearing certain sounds. For
example, war soldiers may “lose their sense of reality” whenever they hear
sirens, firecrackers, or any other sound that is similar to gunshots. Rape
victims may experience a similar episode when they encounter a person that
physically resembles their attacker.
Emotionally tense or alert: Post-traumatic stress victims
experience periods of tenseness. During these episodes they are unable to
relax. This results in insomnia, panic attacks, irritability, emotional
outbursts, and unexplained phobias.
Treatment Options for PTSD
Counseling is very effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.
Those who experience severe, debilitating symptoms may be required to enter a
psychiatric hospital for around-the-clock care. Anti-depressants also relieve
symptoms of PTSD. Individuals living with PTSD should not avoid consulting a
professional. Counseling and medication will reduce symptoms, and help victims
lead a normal life. Moreover, taking advantage of treatment options increases a
person’s chance of fully recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder.