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Published: June 22, 2007 09:29 am
VETERAN’S AFFAIRS 6-22-07
by Danny Calhoun
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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