Published: June 22, 2007 09:29 am            

VETERAN’S AFFAIRS 6-22-07

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS

DISORDER (PTSD) PART 2 of 5

The following is Part 2 of a 5 Part Series on PTSD, it’s affects and treatment as it relates to veterans. Please note that I am not Doctor nor Psychiatrist. The information provided is for information only and is from reliable sources.

Remember: Treatment and often compensation is available to veterans through the VA.

WHO IS LIKELY TO DEVELOP PTSD ?

Most people who experience a traumatic event will not develop PTSD. However, you are more likely to develop PTSD if you:

• Were directly exposed to the traumatic event as a victim or a witness

• Were seriously injured during the event

• Went through a trauma that was long lasting or very severe

• Believed that you were in danger

• Believed that a family member was in danger

• Had a severe reaction during the event, such as crying, shaking, vomiting, or feeling apart from your surroundings

• Felt helpless during the trauma and were not able to help yourself or a loved one.

YOU ARE MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP PTSD IF YOU:

• Had an earlier life-threatening event or trauma, such as being abused as a child

• Have another mental health problem

• Have family members who have had mental health problems

• Have little support from family and friends

• Have recently lost a loved one, especially if it was unexpected

• Have had recent, stressful life changes

• Drink a lot of alcohol

• Are a woman

• Are poorly educated

• Are younger

Your culture or ethnic group also may affect how you react to PTSD. For example, people from groups that are open and willing to talk about problems may be more willing to seek help.

PTSD AND THE MILITARY

If you are in the military, you may have seen combat. You may have been on missions that exposed you to horrible and life-threatening experiences. You may have been shot at, seen a buddy shot, or seen death. You may have been affected even if you were not actively involved in a combat situation.These are types of events that can lead to PTSD.

EXPERTS THINK PTSD OCCUR:S

• In about 30% of Vietnam veterans, or about 30 out of 100 Vietnam veterans.

• In as many as 10% of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans, or in 10 veterans out of 100.

• In about 6% to 11% of veterans of the Afghanistan war (Enduring Freedom), or in 6 to 11 veterans out of 100.

• In about 12% to 20% of veterans of the Iraq war (Iraqi Freedom), or in 12 to 20 veterans out of 100.

Other factors in a combat situation can add more stress to an already stressful situation and may contribute to PTSD and other mental health problems. These factors include what you do in the war, the politics around the war, where it's fought, and the type of enemy you face.

HOW DOES PTSD DEVELOP?

All people with PTSD have lived through a traumatic event that caused them to fear for their lives, see horrible things, and feel helpless. Strong emotions caused by the event create changes in the brain that may result in PTSD.

Many people who go through a traumatic event don't get PTSD. It isn't clear why some people develop PTSD and others don't. How likely you are to get PTSD depends on many things. These include:

• How intense the trauma was

• If you lost a loved one or were hurt

• How close you were to the event

• How strong your reaction was

• How much you felt in control of events

• How much help and support you got after the event

PTSD symptoms usually start soon after the traumatic event, but they may not happen until months or years later. They also may come and go over many years. About half (40% to 60%) of people who develop PTSD get better at some time, often 40-50 years later. But about 1 out of 3 people who develop PTSD always will have some symptoms.

THIS IS PART 2 OF A 5 PART SERIES ON PTSD. IF YOU WOULD LIKE COPIES OF ALL 5 PARTS OF THE SERIES PLEASE CONTACT ME. YOU MAY ALSO GO TO THE BELOW VA WEB SITE FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.

http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/

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