Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Cause of PTSD

The exact cause of PTSD remains to be debated. However, it is agreed that a defining factor is that a person with PTSD must have experienced a profoundly distressing event, such as a natural disaster, assault, combat, or serious accident. The disorder tends to be more severe when the stressor involves deliberate human malice as opposed to a twist of fate or bad luck. But because not all people who experience a serious stressor develop PTSD, other variables, such as personality and biology, may play a role in development of the disorder. Research suggests children are more susceptible to PTSD than adults when exposed to a similar stressor. People who have had prior psychiatric treatment are more vulnerable to PTSD. This is thought to be true because their previous illness reflects greater sensitivity to stress.

Medications

Benzodiazepine may be temporarily prescribed to help sleep patterns return. Small doses of may also be prescribed temporarily to ease the intense feelings of distress. Antidepressants have been shown to reduce nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, and episodes of anxiety. Also, some people with PTSD develop major depression and benefit from the antidepressants. It is generally believed that medications should be used along with therapy. Therapy is required to help the person work through the traumatic memories. Drug therapy may improve the success of therapy by increasing a patient's motivation and easing anxiety.