Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition caused by a traumatic event such as abuse, assault, an accident, a natural disaster, combat stress, or the unexpected death of a loved one. People suffering from PTSD often become tense, irritable, or jumpy and prone to angry outbursts. They may re-experience the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares. They often avoid things that remind them of the trauma and they may be unable to remember important aspects of the trauma. These symptoms may persist for years if the PTSD isn’t treated. There are many myths about PTSD that might prevent people from getting treatment. Here are some of those myths.
PTSD only happens to combat veterans
While it is true that combat veterans often experience PTSD, the condition isn’t limited to them, and in fact, most people who suffer from PTSD are civilians who have never seen a war zone. Relatively few Americans ever serve in the armed forces, and not all who do will see combat. It’s far more likely for PTSD to be caused by an accident, an assault, abuse, natural disaster, or unexpected death. These things happen to millions of people every day. If you think PTSD is only caused by incoming artillery, you might not recognize the symptoms when the cause is more familiar.
PTSD is a sign of weakness
A study of Vietnam War veterans found that the most important factor in someone developing PTSD was the severity of the trauma. In civilian life, only about eight percent of traumas lead to PTSD in men. In combat that number rises to about 30 percent, and in the most traumatizing circumstances, about 70 percent of people will develop symptoms of PTSD. What’s more, individuals appear to have very little control over how long symptoms last. The same study found that PTSD persisted longer in people who had experienced childhood abuse before the war or had pre-existing mental health issues. Another study found that people with a specific kind of gene related to serotonin transport were more likely to suffer depression or PTSD after a trauma.
People who experience trauma usually get PTSD
Whenever there is a terror attack, a school shooting, or a natural disaster, there is much talk about making counseling available. This is a good policy, but it also gives the impression that most people will develop PTSD without some kind of help. In reality, most people will have some acute stress after a major trauma, but it typically subsides on its own in a matter of weeks. Relatively few will develop prolonged PTSD. It’s estimated that about 60 of men and 50 percent of women will experience a traumatic event, and of those, about eight percent of men and 20 percent of women will likely develop PTSD.
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