Article by Jason Epstein

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is often associated with war veterans, but as a Seattle car accident lawyer, I have seen how this terrible psychological trauma can affect victims of auto accidents. Suffering from PTSD can have wide-ranging effects that can destroy relationships, job performance, and a person’s overall wellbeing.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

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Article by John Crimmins

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychiatric disorder affecting those who have experienced very traumatic events. People with PTSD suffer high levels of anxiety and bouts of depression. Normal day to day life for people with PTSD also gets disrupted by panic episodes or “flashbacks,” where they remember and relive the emotions and thoughts they had during the original trauma.Signs of PTSDThe most common signs of PTSD, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, include:· Chronic anxiety, where victims experience periods of depression and acute panic attacks;· Flashbacks, where victims recall snippets of the traumatic event;· Sleep disturbances, where victims experience disruptive nightmares and difficulty sleeping;· Avoidance, where victims avoid certain people, places, and situations that they associate with the traumatic event;· Dissociation/Derealization, where victims feel disconnected from other people and from the latest happenings around them, and where they also feel that past or present events didn’t actually happen; and· Hyper-vigilance, where victims feel the need to be constantly on their guard.A few people also suffer from amnesia or memory loss after the trauma.The more persistent and the more serious the PTSD signs and symptoms means the longer one has been exposed to trauma. The National Center for PTSD relates that an estimated 8% of the population will experience Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder at some point in their lives. However, it says, females are twice more likely to seek professional intervention for PTSD than boys afflicted with the disorder. History of PTSD and Risk FactorsThe American Psychiatric Association says that PTSD was first considered as a legitimate psychiatric problem and listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in 1980. However, the APA notes, doctors and people in the military have long been aware of the condition.The National Institute of Mental Health says that 19% of soldiers who have fought in a war come home with PTSD. The statistic gets higher with repeated tours of duty, like the ones served by American military men in Afghanistan and Iraq.According to the NIMH, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is also seen in people who have survived accidents or major catastrophic events, like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. PTSD is also common among people who have been victims of or have witnessed murder, criminal or domestic violence, and sexual abuse.Treatment and PrognosisA form of PTSD known as Complex PTSD is unique to people who have experienced prolonged and severe trauma. C-PTSD often comes with other psychological problems, making treatment more difficult.If PTSD is identified and treated immediately after the traumatic event, then it usually gets resolved within 3 months. However, signs of PTSD usually do not appear until up to 6 months post-trauma. In some instances, as in the case of long-lasting trauma and C-PTSD, the first signs do not manifest until some years after.In such delayed cases, recovery relies on the individual, as well as on the length of the trauma and the severity of the symptoms. C-PTSD may become a chronic problem and will necessitate long-term care, but most cases resolve in due course with the right kind of intervention.Prognosis for total recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after treatment is excellent.

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Article by Gerry Restrivera

There are a lot of factors that influence the occurrence of anxiety and panic disorder. Although still debatable, there are reports that heredity has something to do with it and children with parents having the disorder are prone to have it too. Past life experiences like losing a job, death in the family, divorce, heartaches and other stressful situations are also pointed as culprits for the occurrence of the disorder. No matter what the reason behind this disorder, it is a fact that millions of people are experiencing the disorder and looking for ways on how to relieve anxiety and panic disorder.

Having anxiety and panic attack is a very terrifying experience because it comes without a warning. It is an extreme fear over something without logical reason and you become more afraid due to its disturbing symptoms that you think you are losing control of your mind. You will experience symptoms like shortness of breath, pounding heart beat, increased heart beat, trembling, sweating, choking sensation, stomach cramps and chest pain. Sufferers also think that they have serious disease creating more fears and anxieties. Learning how to relieve anxiety and panic disorder will make your life better and will ease your mind.

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We all face tough spells. These circumstances aren’t any fun, but many of us get through them without any amount of hassle. 

Others might suffer complete panic attacks. A panic attack is an abrupt gush of anxiety. Many times it feels like a heart attack.

Your heart begins to race, you start to shake, and you have the overpowering eagerness to beat it. You could very well feel like you’re going kooky.

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Question by Heather C: How do anxiety disorders and personality disorders differ from an adjustment disorder?
In an anxiety disorder there can be an identifiable stressor – ex. social anxiety and social situations
Borderline personality – a stressor can be an abusive relationship. How do these things differ?

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Question by Kate: Sleeping with post traumatic stress disorder how can I help?
My boyfriend has post traumatic stress disorder from being abused as a child by his mother and father. He relives the moments as he sleeps, constantly twitching and moving. What is the best way for me to help him wake up without harming him or myself?

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Question by Syn Lia: What are some credible sources of a panic disorder?
I am doing a project for school, and we have to state causes of a panic disorder, and credible sources of a panic disorder. I don’t really know what credible sources are, so if you do i’d appreciate some help !
Thanks :)

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Question by ellagirl: What is the best way to support someone with panic disorder?
What would be an example of a supportive person or friend to someone who has panic disorder? I have panic disorder, and sometimes it feels like I have lost those who were the most important to me. What are ways people can support those with panic disorder? I am just so scared all the time, and it is also a load to have to take care of others (not children, mind you, but other people’s problems).

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Social anxiety or social phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by severe and persistent anxiety when in social situations, be it when interacting with others, or even only being observed.

People suffering from social phobia fear of being amongst (unfamiliar) people, because they will feel under scrutiny and anxious of behaving in a way that might humiliate or embarrass them.

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