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EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a treatable illness that many
people develop after experiencing a terrifying event. This guide is
intended to provide a brief overview of Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder---includ­ing its causes, symptoms and the treatments available.
This guide is for informational purposes only; if you believe that you
or a loved one may be suffering from PTSD, please seek immediate medical
attention.

**What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?**

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) classifies PTSD as "an
anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event
or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened."

People of all ages, from young children to the elderly, can suffer from
PTSD. Anyone who experiences a terrifying event may be at risk of
developing PTSD. For example, some events that trigger PTSD include:

-   Rape or sexual abuse

-   Abuse or attacks of any kind

-   Violent crimes

-   An airplane or car crash

-   Natural or human-caused disaster

-   Military combat or war

-   Events where your life or the lives of loved ones were threatened

Essentially, if you were a victim of---or wit­nessed---any type of life
threatening or life-altering event, you may be at risk for PTSD.

**At any given time in the U.S., millions of people suffer from PTSD.**

**What are the Symptoms of PTSD?**

Many people with PTSD repeatedly re-experi­ence traumatic events from the
past, particularly when they are exposed to similar situations
(including sounds, smells, physical locations, or other reminders).
Symptoms typically begin within three months of the traumatic event, but
sometimes don't start until years after the inci­dent. People with PTSD
often recall their terri­fying experiences in the form of flashback
episodes; memories; nightmares; or other fright­ening thoughts. These
experiences can be trig­gered by an anniversary of the event, or when
people with PTSD are exposed to events or objects that remind them of
their trauma. Other signs of PTSD are emotionally and physically
debilitating symptoms that occur, typically for longer than a month,
such as:

-   Emotional numbness

-   Sleep disturbances

-   Depression

-   Extreme anxiety---especially when something happens without warning

-   Irritability or outbursts of anger

-   Feelings of intense guilt

-   Lack of trust in others

-   Alcohol and/or substance abuse

-   Headaches

-   Gastrointestinal complaints

-   Dizziness

-   Chest pain

-   Chronic pain in other parts of the body

Some cases last six months to a year, others last longer depending on
the severity and treatment of the symptoms. If you or someone you know
exhibits one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean
they have PTSD. However, if they have experienced a frightening or
life-altering event at some point in their lives, it may be PTSD.

Most studies show that talking through experi­ences soon after a
catastrophe may help reduce the symptoms of PTSD. If you or a loved one
have been through a traumatic event, and are experiencing any of the
symptoms outlined previously, ask your doctor about PTSD. Describe your
symptoms in detail and let the doctor know if you suffer from scary
flashbacks, depression or bursts of anger---especially if these symptoms
are impacting your everyday life.

If your doctor diagnoses you with PTSD, he or she may be able to treat
you directly, or you may be referred to a mental health professional
that specializes in PTSD.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatments for
PTSD include:

-   Prescribed medications to help ease the symptoms of depression and
    anxiety, while promoting sleep and rest

-   One-on-one supportive therapy with a doctor or licensed therapist

-   Group therapy

-   Exposure therapy (where the patient gradually and repeatedly relives
    the frightening experi­ence under controlled conditions to help him
    or her work through the trauma)

**Most studies show that giving people the opportunity to talk about
their experiences very soon after a catastrophe may help reduce the
symptoms of PTSD.**

**Helpful Resources**

The following organizations may be able to offer additional support and
information on PTSD.

**National Institute of Mental Health**

Office of Communications and Public Liaison 6001 Executive Blvd Room
8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 888-8ANXIETY (888-826-9438)
301-443-4513 TTY: 301-443-8431 http://www.nimh.nih.gov.

This site offers comprehensive information on all forms of mental
illness, and includes detailed information about Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder, resources and treatment options.

**National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder**

Department of Veteran Affairs Washington, D.C. 20420 802-296-6300
http://www.ncptsd.org

The web site provides veterans of war, their families, and the general
public with informa­tion on PTSD and other related post-war con­ditions
and disorders.

**National Center for Victims of Crime**

2000 M Street, N.W., Suite 480 Washington, D.C. 20036 800-FYI-CALL

(800-394-2255) TTY: 800-211-7996 www.ncvc.org

This organization provides crime victims and concerned individuals with
practical informa­tion on appropriate local services, counseling,
advocacy, safety planning, shelters and other supportive services.

**Suggested Reading**

*Coping With Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding*, by Jon Allen.
American Psychiatric Press, 1995.

This book explains the effects of traumatic experience on the survivor's
personality, physiological functioning, and social relationships. Jon
Allen discusses the symptoms of PTSD, dissociative disor­ders, and other
recognized psychiatric disorders associated with trauma, and describes
treatment approaches and self-help techniques.

*Trauma and Recovery*, by Judith Herman. Basic Books, 1993.

Judith Herman asserts that just as "traumatic syndromes have basic
features in common; the recovery process also follows a common pathway."
This book explores ways in which the treatment process can empower the
survivor.

*I Can't Get Over It: A Handbook for Trauma Survivors*, by Aphrodite
Matsakis. New Harbinger. Publications, 1992.

This book explains in detail the symptoms of PTSD, and suggests a wide
variety of techniques for coping with them.

**FOH EAP**

**1-800-222-0364**

**1-888-262-7848 (TTY)**

This article is background information and, as such, does not address
specific health or mental health concerns. For specific guidance on
handling issues that arise with respect to your health, please consult
with your health care or mental health professional.

This information is being reprinted with the permission of LifeCare.
*Copyright © 2007 LifeCare®, Inc.*