Essay About Post Traumatic Strees Disorder And Traumatic Event

Why Are Some People Affected by Post Traumatic Strees Disorder and Others Are Not?Essay Preview: Why Are Some People Affected by Post Traumatic Strees Disorder and Others Are Not?Report this essayWHY ARE SOME PEOPLE AFFECTED BY POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND OTHERS ARE NOT?Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will suffer from PTSD. It can depend on a number of factors, one of them being the traumatic event itself. Why is this?

Butler (1996) describes PTSD as a breakdown of normal stress response. It is possible the biological and psychological way a person reacts to PTSD can alter what should be the bodys normal adaptive stress response mechanisms to abnormally high levels (Autonomic Nervous System, hormones, noradrenalin). This can then lead to PTSD being triggered by sounds, smells, decor (is this reversible?). Moreover, according to Nolen-Hoeksema (2004), vulnerability to PTSD is down to the individuals social, biological and psychological factors along with the duration, severity and proximity of the traumatic event.

However, how can two people experience the same traumatic situation and have two totally different responses? Or how can someone exhibit PTSD symptoms simply by viewing a traumatic event on television, seeing pictures in a newspaper or hearing about it on the radio? Research has shown how pregnant mothers suffering from depression and/or abusing substances during gestation has an effect on the foetus which, in turn, makes the child emotionally susceptible to later experiences.

There are several factors that may contribute to an individual being more susceptible to the affects of PTSD. For example; someone with a history of mental illness perhaps within the family, previous anxiety disorder, maladaptive and/or abusive childhood or individuals who have encountered major losses in early life. However, exposure to some if not all of the above does not automatically result in PTSD.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV) defines PTSD as a set of typical symptoms that develop after a person sees, is involved in, or hears of an “extreme traumatic stressor.” The person reacts to this experience with fear and helplessness, persistently relives the event and tries to avoid being reminded of it. The Impact Events Scale (Horowitz et al 1979) assesses the emotional stresses involved, the symptoms like flashbacks, hyper-arousal, fear and emotional numbness associated with PTSD. When analysing the literature it is apparent that the aforementioned information is well known and documented, however there is little evidence regarding how some individuals can be severely effected by events, potentially causing devastating consequences i.e suicide and others may simply walk away unscathed?

Many of the clinical uses of stress-based or PTSD-based mental health treatments are aimed at overcoming and addressing mental health problems. However, it is important to note that these treatments are often limited by the time frame, severity of the condition and if the condition is a result of traumatic brain injury or other medical procedures.

PTSD is not a mental illness in and of itself such treatments can still leave an indelible mark on your life as a person

In addition, some people will simply lose it over time as they seek a cure, such as cancer (Bartolomene et al 1983).

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV) also explains that:

It is important to note that PTSD is different from other mental health conditions, such as acute psychosis;

there is a more specific understanding of the causes and manifestations of PTSD, such as a history with traumatic and non-traumatic experiences

As with other mental health conditions the focus of care often lies in prevention

Of course, if the person who has experienced traumatic experiences is already at the point in crisis where they do not want to continue, then the treatment needs to become more precise in what they can do.

PTSD does not necessarily lead to a complete recovery or an improvement

Although the process of rehabilitation could be very long lasting or even permanent, the need to ensure that a particular person is treated for PTSD is often a very important factor in how they cope with other trauma situations.

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