Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has been around much longer than originally suspected although it wasn’t until 1980 that it was included in the psychiatric vocabulary. Veterans displaying symptoms were generally considered overly sensitive, weak or even cowardly. During the Civil War, it was described as “soldier’s heart”; “combat fatigue” or “shell shock” were terms used to describe symptoms with World War I. Later with World War II, it became “battle fatigue” or “gross stress reaction”. It wasn’t until the 70′s when issues like sexual assault and domestic violence became connected to PTSD. Additional studies based on age and gender were conducted, making the psychiatric community realize that the disorder affected men and women alike, many more people than initially suspected.
PTSD has been called the “invisible epidemic” since its origins are personally very private and always painful. There are no visible scars pointing directly to PTSD. While studies vary somewhat, women are more prone to the disorder than men. According to one study, as many as 16 percent of all women have been sexually abused in some form or other. With the case of rape or assault, the statistics rise to 30% of women who develop PTSD. In cases of childhood sexual assault, a staggering 100 percent of those children will develop some level of PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, memory and concentration problems, hyperarousal, hypervigilance, intrusive memories, avoidance (of situations, people, places, things, etc. that may trigger memories), abnormal startle responses (too much or not enough), and a generally bad feeling when reminded of the trauma. With childhood abuse, it can also be accompanied by “dissociative disorder”: “out-of-body” experiences, drerealization, amnesia and a fragmented sense of self and identity. High levels of anxiety include panic attacks and claustrophobia. As adults, it often leads to alcoholism and drug addiction.
More recent studies indicate physical changes with PTSD as well. Whether abuse or combat related, physical changes in the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex of the brain are also found.
There are a number of wonderful websites for more information, greater understanding of PTSD and how it affects not only the people who suffer with it but also those who care about them. Treatment is available and there are also a number of support groups. If you’re one of the thousands of people dealing with PTSD, please check out the sites listed below. Learning to live with PTSD is possible. Don’t let it be debilitating.
- Suite101.com: there are several articles, by Lisa C. DeLuca, with information for both civilians and military personnel.
- PTSDAsoldiersperspective.blogspot.com: this is a great site to gain information not only about PTSD but also has insight on how to deal with the Veterans Administration Medical community.
- Medicinenet.com: there are a number of statistics here that will blow you away! See articles written by Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD, and edited by Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD.
- MayoClinic.com: with its long-standing reputation as a state-of-the-art medical facility with top notch medical personnel, this is a must-see site outlining every aspect of PTSD from the definition, symptoms, causes and risk factors, complications, through tests and diagnosis, treatments and drugs, all the way to coping and support.
- GiftFromWithin.org: this is a great support site. Read entries from people around the world, find tapes, books and more to help you through the rough times.
If you find additional sites helpful, please don’t hesitate to let me know and I’ll include them in this site.
Here’s hoping you’ll find the peace and comfort we all need! Best wishes and the best of luck to you.
Sincerely,
Laura, The Pen Pusher
