PTSD

When a person is subjected to a life-or-death situation, a chemical reaction occurs inside the body that heightens awareness, numbs pain, and otherwise prepares the body for escape or imminent attack. This fight-or-flight response is a survival mechanism that generally gives human beings (and other creatures) an adaptive advantage. This is a healthy, normal reaction.

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If this survival mechanism is engaged for a prolonged period, however, side-effects such as severe trembling, dizziness, and hyperventilation can occur. This condition is known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and it is to be expected due to the emotional, mental, and physical demands of prolonged combat operations.

• Some sources estimate that nearly 70% of people have experienced a traumatic event sufficient to cause PTSD.

• Around 20% of these people  will develop PTSD symptoms..

• Of those, around 8% are actively experiencing symptoms at any given time.

• 50% of all mental health patients are also diagnosed with PTSD.

While some veterans are disproportionately exposed to potentially traumatic events, PTSD touches all corners of society.

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The History of PTSD

Like many conditions recognised by modern medicine, PTSD wasn’t always seen for what it truly is. It has taken years of history to fully understand and conceptualise this condition. Though symptomology of PTSD dates to the ancient days of combat, it took until the 1800s for formal medicine to address traits of PTSD in combat veterans.

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Around the time of the first world war “Shell Shock” was a term used to classify criteria of PTSD. Soldiers who presented with panic-like symptoms or sleep disturbances brought on by this condition were sometimes only given a few days rest before returning to combat zones. "Combat Stress Reaction” (CSR) replaced “Shell Shock” during World War II. With combat exhaustion being a primary cause for military discharge during this time, individuals experiencing CSR were treated upon the quick recognition of symptoms and were expected to make a full recovery before returning to combat.

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Upon the publication of the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), Gross Stress Reaction was included which resembled PTSD. It was later replaced with Adjustment Reaction to Adult life in the second addition before finally receiving the title of PTSD in the third addition. It has since been modified and stands in the fifth addition of the DSM within the category of Trauma and Stress.

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Understanding the history of this disorder is crucial in beginning to grasp the long-standing impact it has had on our world, nation, neighbours, Friends and relatives. Front-line health workers, first responders and service members are among those consistently exposed to stress-inducing situations.

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Treatment of PTSD

The most effective psychotherapy treatments are trauma-focused therapies such as:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

A trauma-focused therapy that helps change unhelpful beliefs about the trauma 

• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

A structured therapy that helps reduce the vividness and emotion associated with trauma memories 

• Prolonged Exposure (PE)

A trauma-focused therapy that helps work through trauma by visualising, talking, or thinking about the traumatic event 

• Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy

Combines cognitive behavioral therapy with a psychodynamic approach to change emotions of shame and guilt 

Support

• Support from family and friends can also be an essential part of recovery 

• Treatment for other conditions often related to traumatic experiences, such as depression, anxiety, or misuse of alcohol or drugs 

 

It's important to work with a mental health professional who has experience treating PTSD. To provide support for employees displaying traits of Trauma, Stress or PTSD please contact us to arrange confidential support and services.