Though commonly associated with combat experiences, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event, be it a near-death experience, sexual violence, or even a car accident. Some common symptoms include upsetting memories, jumpiness, or trouble sleeping. If these symptoms persist, they can cause severe disruptions to daily life. Emory’s Veterans …
“PTSD can happen to anyone who has been exposed to a life-threatening event, like combat, physical violence, a car accident, a natural disaster or anyone exposed to sexual violence. First responders can also develop PTSD after being exposed to aversive aspects of traumatic events,” says Tara Gilhooly, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth). “It…
A person living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) describes how trauma affects their sex life, and what you can do about it.
There are many mental disorders that can affect a person at any given time. One of the worst however, is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD
Following a traumatic event, some people experience Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). PTS is not Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The latter occurs when...
At the end of my first pregnancy, I developed a slight ache in both my wrists. Within days, the pain grew so intense that I couldn't hold a pencil or use a pair of scissors. A quick trip to the doctor yielded a diagnosis of mild carpal tunnel disorder. I was told to pick up a brace from the drug store and take ibuprofen. Unfortunately, nothing helped. A few weeks later, my daughter was born and simply picking her up was agony. When…
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common psychological effect of severe trauma. Phobias can also increase in times of extreme stress.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a result of severe trauma. The trauma experienced is usually one that has threatened a person's safety. PTSD is seen in people returning from fighting in a war, or people who have been victims of violence or a natural disaster. It's normal to feel traumatized by significant life events such as surviving a severe car accident. It becomes pathological when…
Post-traumatic stress disorder doesn't just take a toll on mental health ― it causes bodily harm, too.
What You Should Know this PTSD Awareness Day Thursday, 25 June 2015 06:00 To bring greater awareness to the issue of posttraumatic stress disorder...
It has been estimated that up to 20% of service members returning to the United States from combat will experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some don’t believe that, however, as it has been argued that 20% is much too low, and that the majority of returning service members will experience those same symptoms at some point, whether it be paranoia, nightmares, memory problems, or…
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2009 there were 10.8 million car accidents in the United States. Even long after the physical injuries have healed, a car crash can leave a mental imprint that can, at times, seem nearly impossible to deal with. After an accident, drivers report experiencing everything from mild anxiety at the thought of getting behind the wheel again to…
A new study has shown for the first time the neurotransmitter pathways that allow stressful fear-related memories become consciously inaccessible
Some stressful experiences – such as chronic childhood abuse – are so overwhelming and traumatic, the memories hide like a shadow in the brain
At first, hidden memories that can’t be consciously accessed may protect the individual from the emotional pain of recalling the event. But…
Stress and the Brain
The human body responds to stress with a powerful fight-or-flight reaction. Hormone surge through the body, causing the heart to pump faster and sending extra supplies of energy into the bloodstream. For much of human history, this emergency response system was useful: It enabled people to survive immediate physical threats, like an attack from a wild animal. But today, the stress in…
The pharmacist's responsibilities; depression and suicide risk; and being in a position to help
In 2003, C. Patrick Tharp, PhD, BSPharm, founded Pharmacists Preventing Suicides—a St. Louis–based group that focuses on suicide prevention education, research, training, lobbying, and promotion of tools—after he and his wife lost their youngest daughter, Tricia, to depression and suicide
“We want pharmacists to know that this is not a difficult subject…
A host of disorders, from depression to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, fall under the umbrella of mental health. Knowing what defines each one and how to treat and address it is essential for keeping symptoms at bay.
Low estrogen levels may make women more susceptible to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while high estrogen levels may be protective. New research provides insight into how estrogen changes gene activity in the brain to achieve its protective effects.
“I had no idea what was wrong with me for about five months.”
In January of 2019, Jaida Garrett began to experience pain, discomfort and numbness in her left leg and ankle. A diver at the University of Kentucky, she assumed it was something minor like tendonitis. But after she underwent injection treatments, the pain didn’t subside—it only worsened
“It was so hard to accept that I was injured and out at the time.”
By May, the pain was so severe that Jaida…
Post traumatic stress disorder can occur in women who've experienced the trauma of breast cancer.