What Is PTSD?

PTSD occurs after a particularly devastating event, such as an assault, time in combat, the experience of a natural disaster or involvement in a major accident. The event may happen directly to the individual or be one that a person witnesses firsthand.

In some cases, post tramatic stress disorder can affect the rescue workers in any of the above scenarios as well. Although many who are involved in one of these events will experience a stressful reaction over the short term such as horror or acute fear, symptoms that get worse or last longer than a few weeks may result in a diagnosis of post traumatic stress.

Doctors do not know for sure why some people will be diagnosed with post tramatic stress disorder after a horrific event and others will not. Some factors that may increase the risk of this disorder might include the intensity of the event, the proximity of the individual and the amount of support received in the aftermath.

While many will experience symptoms within a few days or weeks after the trauma, others may not show any signs of this stress disorder until months or even years afterward. Once symptoms do present and are properly diagnosed, an effective treatment plan can be made.

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

In most cases, symptoms of this disorder will appear within three months after the event. These symptoms might include:

• Flashbacks or disturbing dreams about the traumatic event
• Avoidance of thinking or talking about the event
• Difficulty sleeping, concentrating or remembering things
• Emotional numbness or feelings of shame and guilt
• Irritability, anger and self-destructive behavior like substance abuse
• Difficulty maintaining healthy, positive relationships or employment
• Feelings of hopelessness about the future
• Startling easily or always fearing for one's safety

If these symptoms are severe enough to get in the way of daily life, it is time to seek treatment options for this particular stress disorder.

Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

People with PTSD tend to have recurring nightmares and disturbing memories of the traumatic event, especially when reminded of the trauma. They may experience sleep problems, feel numb and lose interest in life.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) offers hope to people suffering from PTSD. One of the first successful treatments using EFT was Gary Craig's treatment on six PTSD Vietnam War veterans. "These men hadn't had a moment's peace in 20 years," says Craig. "Their lives revolved around their terrifying memories. But after just a few minutes of using EFT, all of the men experienced profound release."

This type of disorder can disrupt daily life and make an individual feel as though he is never going to regain control of his life again. However, emotional freedom technique (EFT) will help a patient get his life back on track once again.


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