Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is, ".. the name given to the psychological and physical problems that can sometimes follow particular threatening or distressing events. These events might include:
- A major disaster
- A war
- Rape or sexual, physical or emotional abuse
- Witnessing a violent death
- A serious accident
- Traumatic childbirth
- Other situations in which a person was afraid, horrified, helpless, or felt that his or her life was in danger.
The trauma can be a single event or a series of events taking place over months or even years". (National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2005, Clinical Guideline 26, p 7).
PTSD may not only affect the person directly involved in the event but also family members of those involved or members of the emergency services, such as the paramedics, that responded to the situation.
PTSD is relatively common, effecting up to 1/3 of people who have experienced some form of trauma and approximately 8% of people at some point in their lives. PTSD not only effects adults, but children as well.
People with PTSD often experience repeated and intrusive distressing memories and may have times where they feel as if they are reliving the traumatic event (otherwise known as 'flashbacks') of the event. Physical sensations can occur during flashbacks, similar to those experienced during a panic attack.
Some people may constantly think about the event and be unable to come to terms with it. Some PTSD sufferers may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event and avoid discussing it. They may often feel guilt or shame or feel that they are undeserving of help. They may also have sleep problems and experience anxiety and depression. PTSD may not always occur immediately in response to a traumatic experience but may develop months or years later. (Adapted from NICE, 2005, Clinical Guideline 26 and MIND booklet Understanding Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)
How can we help you
- Gateway Team - the access point to mental health services
- Poole Book Prescription Scheme
The following book is available from libraries or book shops:
"Overcoming Traumatic Stress" by Claudia Herbert and Ann Wetmore.
Below are detailed web links to information on PTSD:
- www.helpguide.org/mental/post_traumatic_stress_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm
- www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG026publicinfo.pdf
- www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/complete-publication.shtml
- www.ptsduk.co.uk
- www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+post-traumatic+stress+disorder.htm
- www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation.aspx
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