History of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

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First recognized in 1980 as a disorder with specific diagnosable symptoms, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was seen as a condition where people are shocked into fear of facing situations. Over the years, it was labeled as “Soldier’s Heart” in the post Civil war era and “Shell Shock” in the World War I. In a situation of ‘fight-or-flight’ an individual is triggered to escape from danger, however in PTSD this reaction is reversed in which case the individual feels a constant threat of danger even when there is no danger present.The person diagnosed with PTSD can be anyone from a child to an adult. Many causes of this disorder include traumatic events, knowing someone who is in danger, genetic factors, and more. Symptoms include feelings of guilt, anger, and intense memories of the experience. The individual may experience withdrawal from social activity and other human experiences. This can be treated, however, with various forms of psychotherapy that can suit the needs of the patients. In addition, there are also drugs and surgical methods that patients can take although they must watch out for side effects. Two known cases are of Samuel Pepys and of P.K. Philips. Pepys suffered from horrible sleeping and frustration after his experience with the 1666 fire of London. P.K. Philips lived after a childhood filled with abuse. She too suffered from terrible nightmares and social rejection. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is a misunderstood anxiety disorder in which case many believe that occurs right after a traumatic event. One of the biggest myths is that PTSD only affects veterans. It is a fact however that anyone can be diagnosed with PTSD, approximately one out of 10 women in America m... ... middle of paper ... ...ths for Janet to feel better. A very interesting case is that of P.K. Philips. She had been diagnosed with PTSD because of the many traumatic events that flooded his life, including; a childhood filled with physical, mental, and sexual abuse, as well as an attack at knifepoint that left her thinking she would die. His mentality changed and she felt safe no where in this world. She was also plagued with terrible nightmares and her rejection for any outside help only delayed her healing. Fear soon engulfed her, “By age 17, I'd suffered my first panic attack. Soon I became unable to leave my apartment for weeks at a time, ending my modeling career abruptly. This just became a way of life.” It was only after she knew she had PTSD, did she take medications that helped her regain her life and now, she had rebuilt her career as an artist and can finally enjoy her life.

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