PTSD Questions 1-8

1. PTSD

2. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a particular set of reactions that can develop in people who have they experienced an event which threatened their life or others around them. PTSD can occur when an event such as car or other serious accident has concurred or any physical or sexual assault, war, torture, or natural disasters such as bushfires or floods. About 25% of people who are exposed to traumatic events develop PTSD Which leads to feelings of excess fear, horror, anger, sadness and hopelessness are natural after events like these. 

3.Early 1980’s a condition was added to the DSM-III which was named post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) It was developed by the experiences and conditions of US military veterans of the war in Vietnam. It was said to say that after 35 days of uninterrupted combat, 98% of them exhibited psychiatric disturbances. Therefore creating the mental illness of PTSD. 

Here is an article that talks about Australian soldiers need help as they are diagnosed with PTSD after returning from war. 

4. Many factors revolve around the traumatic event itself. Traumatic events are more likely to cause PTSD when they involve a severe threat to your personal safety. The more extreme and prolonged the threat, the greater the risk of developing PTSD in return. Some general risk factors may include; history of physical or sexual abuse, history of depression, anxiety, or another mental illness, lack of support after the trauma, and a high level of stress everyday. 

5. Someone who has experienced a traumatic event may sometimes feel that they have ‘got over’ it, until they are confronted with a reminder that triggers symptoms again. Some of these symptoms included; flashbacks of the traumatic event through intrusive memories or nightmares, sweating, panic attacks, avoiding situations that are reminders of the trauma, feeling anxious for no reason and a lack of concentration. These are just some signs of PTSD and they may vary on the event that has caused the trauma. 

6.Treatment usually involves psychological therapy with the person directly affected by a qualified health professional such as a doctor or psychologist. The sooner someone is diagnosed and receives treatment, the more likely it is they will recover sooner. With help, a person can learn to manage their response in unavoidable situations that previously would have triggered a flashback. Medication can also be helpful for the individual. With appropriate treatment and support people with PTSD are able to make a full recovery. 

7. Prevention of PTSD is a way to reduce the burden off the individual. One of the strategies to prevent this disease is through education about the medical aspects of PTSD. By educating the public, the percentage of people being diagnosed with PTSD will drop dramatically as they could prevent it through family support, psychotherapy, etc. Some medications have promised to lower the intense physiologic image and to prevent the brain from forming traumatic memories right after the event. This then contributes to the overall prevention of PTSD and help individuals overcome this disorder. 

8. Computational Analysis of Psychological Signals (DCAPS) is a program that asses the psychological status of an individual. DCAPS analyses patterns of everyday behaviour and sects subtle changes that associate with PTSD. It provides honest sensory data from daily social interactions that help diagnose people with PTSD so they can get the treatment they need.