Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The trauma that is associated with post traumatic stress disorder can be an experience of prolonged abuse. Children who have suffered from physical or sexual abuse can experience the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder later in their life. Witnessing a violent death of a loved one can also bring about post traumatic stress disorder.

The symptoms of this disorder are a persistent thoughts and memories of the traumatic event. They will feel detached and may have problems with sleep and can be very easily startled. It can occur within months after the event or it can surface years later. Not every person who experiences a trauma will experience post traumatic stress disorder, but if the symptoms last for longer than a month then a diagnosis of PTSD can be made. Some people recover from the disorder relatively quickly while others will experience the condition chronically.

This condition is often coupled with depression and other mood disorders. Treatment for PTSD can follow the same lines as other depression treatments including medications. Antidepressants are often used with this type of mental health disorders and can relieve the anxiety and depression that is felt by the patient. Behavior therapy can also help the PTSD patient learn how to cope with their fears and symptoms. The negative feelings that are associated with the traumatic event are discussed and the patient is helped to find new ways of looking at things and the way their negative thoughts are affecting their life. This type of cognitive behavior therapy can help people to adjust their way of viewing the trauma.

If PTSD is suspected in a person it is very important that they seek treatment. Post traumatic stress disorder can be a debilitating mental health disorder that will affect the patient's ability to live a normal and mentally healthy life. When left untreated the PTSD can lead to depression. The patient can benefit a great deal from learning about the disorder and talking to the people in their life. There are support groups for survivors of the disorder that can be of an enormous benefit. Knowing there are others who have suffered from the same symptoms can help the patient realize that they are not alone in their illness.

When PTSD is suspected, the patient can find help through a mental health professional. Cognitive behavior therapy can provide relief from the symptoms and negative thoughts and learning about mood disorders and mental health disorders can also help the person understand what is happening to them.

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Julia Sorensen is the author of "Overcoming Loss Stories and Activities to Help Children Transform Grief and Loss" Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers