PTSD is treatable, and trauma survivors often recover and go on to live happy lives. But PTSD will not disappear on its own; it is a disease that requires medical attention. Here are three common components of PTSD treatment: Medication: The most common medications for PTSD are antidepressants known as selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but …
According to new research at the University of Bradford in the U.K., exposure via social media to images and videos of violent news events can trigger PTSD-like symptoms. Many people now turn to their social media feeds, such as on Facebook or Twitter, to keep up with current events. Almost immediately, users are able …
A new study based in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands has found a significant correlation between PTSD in veterans and increased risk of heart failure. The study authors describe their findings as the “the first large-scale longitudinal study to report an association between PTSD and incident heart failure in an outpatient sample of U.S. veterans.” …
Could computer algorithms help doctors diagnose patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) earlier? Researchers at the Danish Veteran Centre are hoping the answer is yes. After collecting data from 957 Israeli trauma victims, the Danish team led by Karen-Inge Karstroft recorded up to 68 patient variables. These variables spanned from demographics, the nature of …
A joint US and UK research team has linked certain gene groups that regulate the body’s immune system responses to risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Scientists extracted RNA sequencing transcripts from the blood samples of 188 U.S. Marines before and after a military deployment. They found that some PTSD genes also play a large …
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in survivors of disturbing or dangerous events and causes chronic and debilitating anxiety. Moreover, the symptoms of PTSD often put considerable strains on a trauma victim’s family. Traumatic stress can profoundly change a victim’s personality. The afflicted family member may become more withdrawn, cold and irritable. In severe cases, …
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Make sure you know fact from fiction; here are some widespread PTSD myths debunked: Myth: PTSD isn’t a ‘real’ illness. PTSD is a psychological disease that occurs when someone lives through a traumatic event. Research has shown surviving life-threatening or extremely disturbing …
Researchers have discovered a similar pattern of grey-matter loss in the brain across a broad range of psychiatric disorders, suggesting that mental illnesses with differing symptoms could arise from the same neurological basis. Their findings challenge the assumption of differentiating mental disorders by symptoms rather than by brain pathology. Dr. Amit Etkin of Stanford University, …
If you have PTSD, making changes to your lifestyle could help reduce your symptoms. Here are some positives steps you can take to deal with PTSD: Reach out to other survivors: PTSD survivors’ organizations, including Veterans organizations, can be a source of support from people who understand what you’re going through. Knowing that someone else …
People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often feel so many strong and negative emotions that they have difficulty expressing themselves and communicating their needs. That is why, if you have a loved one with PTSD, it is especially important for you to know how to react to the condition’s symptoms. With a little insight and …
