Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Brain Injuries
Veterans returning home from war often experience PTSD.
This disorder is diagnosed in almost thirty percent of patients suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury.
It is important for clinicians to get as much detailed history of the injury as possible to properly determine the treatment process for PTSD.
Diagnosis is sometimes difficult to determine for this disorder because the symptoms of brain injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can overlap.
As a result many cases of this condition go undiagnosed.
Some of the symptoms of this disorder are flashbacks, repeated upsetting memories or nightmares, emotional numbing with feelings of detachment, the tendency to block out important aspects of the trauma, lack of interest in normal activities and feelings that they have no future.
They may also have difficulties with concentration, outbursts of anger, difficulties sleeping, dizziness, rapid heart beats and headaches.
Unfortunately, some of these symptoms may be attributed to other things rather than the disorder which further hinders diagnosis.
Those suffering from brain injuries as well as PTSD may also have difficulties with substance abuse which can also complicate recovery.
Other problems may include feelings of lack of control, difficulties with positive emotions, amnesia of the event, reduced cognitive abilities, sleeping disturbances, irritability, concentration deficits and almost certainly memory challenges.
Many may also have feelings of survivor's guilt.
This is suffered by many returning soldiers.
For those who had an extended period of unconsciousness following a brain injury, it is believed that there is less likelihood of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurring.
Psychological, physical, genetic and social factors are usually involved when there has been both a Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD.
It is very important to obtain early diagnosis.
Treatments by qualified personnel to help reduce some of these symptoms include having the suifferer attempt to remember the traumatic even and express his/her feelings about it.
Joining a support group will also be important and having a strong friend and family support system, if possible.
If depression or other related medical conditions are a factor, it will be necessary to deal with these before treatment for PTSD can be started.
It will also be important to overcome alcohol or substance abuse before any treatment can be successful.
Other treatments for this condition includes talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, exposure therapy, group therapy and/or medication.
Treatment can require from three to six months or possibly longer.
It is important for both Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD sufferers to ensure that early diagnosis and treatment is established for the best chances of a successful recovery.
This disorder is diagnosed in almost thirty percent of patients suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury.
It is important for clinicians to get as much detailed history of the injury as possible to properly determine the treatment process for PTSD.
Diagnosis is sometimes difficult to determine for this disorder because the symptoms of brain injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can overlap.
As a result many cases of this condition go undiagnosed.
Some of the symptoms of this disorder are flashbacks, repeated upsetting memories or nightmares, emotional numbing with feelings of detachment, the tendency to block out important aspects of the trauma, lack of interest in normal activities and feelings that they have no future.
They may also have difficulties with concentration, outbursts of anger, difficulties sleeping, dizziness, rapid heart beats and headaches.
Unfortunately, some of these symptoms may be attributed to other things rather than the disorder which further hinders diagnosis.
Those suffering from brain injuries as well as PTSD may also have difficulties with substance abuse which can also complicate recovery.
Other problems may include feelings of lack of control, difficulties with positive emotions, amnesia of the event, reduced cognitive abilities, sleeping disturbances, irritability, concentration deficits and almost certainly memory challenges.
Many may also have feelings of survivor's guilt.
This is suffered by many returning soldiers.
For those who had an extended period of unconsciousness following a brain injury, it is believed that there is less likelihood of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurring.
Psychological, physical, genetic and social factors are usually involved when there has been both a Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD.
It is very important to obtain early diagnosis.
Treatments by qualified personnel to help reduce some of these symptoms include having the suifferer attempt to remember the traumatic even and express his/her feelings about it.
Joining a support group will also be important and having a strong friend and family support system, if possible.
If depression or other related medical conditions are a factor, it will be necessary to deal with these before treatment for PTSD can be started.
It will also be important to overcome alcohol or substance abuse before any treatment can be successful.
Other treatments for this condition includes talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, exposure therapy, group therapy and/or medication.
Treatment can require from three to six months or possibly longer.
It is important for both Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD sufferers to ensure that early diagnosis and treatment is established for the best chances of a successful recovery.