POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER 

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one potential response to a traumatic event.  A traumatic event is defined as a catastrophic event, usually with sudden onset, during which a person feared for their life or the life of a loved one; witnessed or experienced the unexpected death of a loved one or witnessed the unexpected death of others.  A traumatic event may also result in a person feeling that their sense of who they are, or what they value, has been significantly compromised.  This is a loss of sense of self and is different from the distress experienced through divorce or loss of employment etc.  The symptoms and treatment approach for traumatic stress is different from the symptoms and treatment for life event stress.  This does not mean that divorce, loss of employment or home is not significantly distressing.  Indeed many people wisely seek professional assistance when experiencing life event stress. 

TYPES OF PTSD

• Acute Stress Disorder:  This is typically the first 4 weeks following a traumatic event.  During this time a diagnosis of PTSD cannot be made.  Most people experience distress following a traumatic event.  If the level of distress experienced is of concern to the individual, or their family, it is appropriate to seek professional assistance.  If a person has experienced previous traumatic event/s; has a history of psychiatric or psychological problems; is experiencing difficulty sleeping, becomes socially withdrawn, or cannot stop thinking about the event they should seek professional assistance. Treatment usually includes managing specific symptoms and providing support.  Medication may be used in the short term for specific problems.
  
• PTSD: A number of people continue to experience distress for more than 4 weeks following a traumatic event.  If they have a number of specific symptoms they are diagnosed with PTSD.  At this point in time it is important to seek professional assistance.
  
• Chronic PTSD: When symptoms persist for more than 3 months. Professional Specialist assistance is strongly recommended for therapy and appropriate medication, if indicated.
• Complex PTSD: Although not recognized by DSM-IV, Complex PTSD is clinically recognized.  Typically these clients have been diagnosed with a personality disorder, have a childhood history of physical, sexual abuse, and/or physical/emotional neglect.  There may be a history of trauma in later childhood and/or adulthood.  Many clients experience problems with substance abuse; relationship problems; other Psychiatric disorder/s. Although clients experience severe distress, with therapy and medication (if indicated) prognosis is often good.
  
• Delayed Onset PTSD: This condition occurs when a person experiences a traumatic event as a child or in later life but may forget about it or not feel any negative consequences from the event.  A significant life event may then trigger the emotional impact of the trauma.  This can occur decades after the trauma.  The emotional distress is as severe as if the trauma had just occurred.  This can be one of the most bewildering forms of PTSD for the client and their family and friends.  Like all forms of PTSD, Delayed Onset PTSD is responsive to treatment.