Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) often follows a Traumatic Brain Injury. It is an anxiety disorder triggered by stress such as physical or sexual assault, combat or the witnessing or involvement in a traumatic event. Veterans returning home from war often experience PTSD.

This disorder is diagnosed in almost thirty percent of patients suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury. It is important for clinicians to get as much detailed history of the injury as possible to properly determine the treatment process for PTSD. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult to determine because the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can overlap.

Some of the symptoms of this disorder are flashbacks, repeated upsetting memories or nightmares, emotional numbing with feelings of detachment, the tendency to block out important aspects of the trauma, lack of interest in normal activities and feelings that they have no future. They may also have difficulties with concentration, outbursts of anger, difficulties sleeping, dizziness, rapid heart beats and headaches.

Those suffering from brain injuries as well as PTSD may also have difficulties with substance abuse which can complicate recovery. Other problems may include feelings of lack of control, difficulties with positive emotions, amnesia of the event, reduced cognitive abilities, sleeping disturbances, irritability, concentration deficits and almost certainly memory challenges. Many may also have feelings of survivor's guilt. For those who had an extended period of unconsciousness following a brain injury, it is believed there is less likelihood of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurring. Psychological, physical, genetic and social factors are usually involved when there has been both a Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD.

It is important to get early diagnosis. Treatments by qualified personnel to help reduce some of these symptoms include having the sufferer attempt to remember the traumatic event and express their feelings about it. Joining a support group will also be important and having a strong support system of family and friends. If depression or other related medical conditions are a factor, it will be necessary to deal with these before treatment for PTSD can be begun. It will also be important to overcome alcohol or substance abuse before any treatment can be successful.

Other treatments include talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, exposure therapy and/or medication. Treatment can require from three to six months or possibly longer.

It is important for both Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD sufferers to ensure that early diagnosis and treatment is established for the best chances of a successful recovery.