Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ( Ptsd ) - 1575 Words

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event that a person has either witnessed or experienced. The mind is unable to process information and feelings in a normal way and as result of the trauma and the client must help to move forward in their life. Symptoms commonly include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Many people who experience traumatic events have trouble adjusting and coping for a while, but are diagnosed with PTSD because with time and good self-care, they often get better. If symptoms get worse or last for months or even years and interfere with functioning, the person likely has PTSD. â€Å"PTSD is often characterized†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"A recent estimate points out that the incidence of PTSD after a traumatic event ranges from as low as 6 percent to as high as 20 percent† (Brandell, 2011, p. 350). This rate dramatically increases if you are a veteran, rape victim, hold a job where you experience secondary trauma such as police officers, firefighters, or military personnel. There are several factor that contribute to a diagnosis of PTSD including childhood emotional problems, lower socioeconomic status, prior mental disorders, and genetics. For example, if a woman had low self-esteem prior to being raped, she will have an increased likihood of being diagnosed with PTSD. This is due to the fact that she is already emotionally impaired and may not have the coping skills to overcome the trauma on her own in comparison to a woman with high self-esteem. â€Å"Impaired functioning is exhibited across social, interpersonal, developmental, educational, physical health, and occupational domains† (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 279). According to the DSM-5, there is a high probability that a person diagnosed with PTSD also has at least one other mental disorder. As a result, paying close attention to comorbidity will be important when considering a PTSD diagnosis and the best course of treatment. Traditional Theories One theory to consider when looking at the cause of PTSD is Psychodynamic Theory. This theory says that early childhood experiences are key to the patterning of one’s