PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Chat Support Group
PTSD: The symptoms
Most people who are exposed to a traumatic, stressful event experience some
of the symptoms of PTSD in the days and weeks following exposure, but the symptoms
generally decrease over time and eventually disappear. However, about 8% of
men and 20% of women go on to develop PTSD, and roughly 30% of these individuals
develop a chronic form that persists throughout their lifetimes.
Three clusters of symptoms are associated with PTSD:
Re-experiencing of the traumatic event:
- Recurring nightmares
- Intrusive daydreams or flashbacks
- Dissociative experiences [is there a less technical term for this?]
- Intensification of symptoms on exposure to reminders of the event
Avoidance or numbing:
- Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, activities, or situations associated
with the trauma
- Feelings of detachment or alienation
- Inability to have loving feelings
Hyperarousal:
- Exaggerated startle response
- Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
- Irritability or outbursts of anger
- Physiological reactions to exposure to reminders of the event
Functional Impairment:
PTSD often results in impairment of the person's ability to
function in social or family situations, including:
- Occupational instability
- Marital problems and divorces
- Discord with family and friends
- Difficulties in parenting
The course of chronic PTSD usually involves periods of symptom increase followed
by remission or decrease, although for some individuals symptoms
may be unremitting and severe.
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