Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Dear Judy - a friend of mine has been diagnosed with PTSD.  What is it actually? - Francis, Los Angeles

Dear Francis

PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.  This condition may follow after a car accident (where the person develops a phobia about traffic, for example).  The symptoms are flash-backs to the traumatic event, avoiding places and people that remind the person of the event, a feeling of being numb, feeling that nothing matters and that life has lost its color.  They may be unable to sleep, suffer from anxiety and hyperarousal - expecting the worst or being easily frightened.

I trust that answers your question.

Judy

Can a person be treated for PTSD and if so, does it last? - Marion, Coney Glen

Marion

A good question indeed.  Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome will usually resolve itself with time.  In other words, the anxiety passes and the body's natural coping mechanisms come into play.  (Depression for example, is a natural reaction to change and stress).  However, if the PTSD symptoms last too long and the person becomes psychotic, or feels they can no longer cope, it is time for intervention in the form of psycho-therapy and/or medication.

Kind regards
Judy