|
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be caused by exposure to traumatic events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults such as rape.
• Not everyone who is exposed to trauma will develop PTSD. The likelihood of developing PTSD seems to be tied to the severity of the trauma and a previous history of trauma or mental health issues.
• PTSD involves biological changes as well as psychological symptoms.
• Symptoms include recurring intrusive memories of the traumatic experience; a feeling of detachment and estrangement, or "psychological numbing"; and a heightened sense of anxiety or a lowering of the "fear threshold."
• PTSD is often accompanied by related disorders such as depression, substance abuse and other problems of physical and mental health.
• These symptoms must last at least a month before PTSD can be diagnosed.
• An estimated 3 to 4 percent of adults in the United States currently meet criteria for PTSD, according to a recent analysis of survey data.
Dart Center Resources
• "PTSD Definition," from the American
Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).
• "PTSD 101," by Frank Ochberg, M.D. An introduction "to the definition of PTSD, its impact and significance — how to anticipate it, recognize it, and report it."
• "Summary of a Recent Study on PTSD and Iraq War veterans." About one out of six Iraq War veterans met criteria for combat-related psychiatric disorders, but many have avoided seeking mental health services because of worries about stigma.
. "An exceptional thing about journalists is that we alone seem to think that we are exceptional in our reactions. Violence and its emotional aftermath affect all first responders, including police, fire and ambulance workers as well as journalists," write Joe Hight and Frank Smyth in "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder," Chapter 8 of "Tragedies & Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage."
Links & Sources
• "General Facts about PTSD," from the National Center for PTSD. Includes PTSD definition, effects, overview and information about causes, assessment and treatment.
• The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). The world's premier trauma organization, dedicated to trauma treatment, education, research and prevention.
• Gift from Within. A private, non-profit organization dedicated to those who suffer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), those at risk for PTSD, and those who care for traumatized individuals.
|
