What are the symptoms of PTSD?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a specific cluster of symptoms six months or more after a person either witnessed or experienced a traumatic event and responded with intense fear, helplessness, or horror. The nervous system is affected in such a way that the person has the following cluster of symtoms:
Re-Experiencing:
An individual with PTSD re-experiences the trauma through intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks.
Avoidance:
An individual with PTSD persistently avoids thoughts, feelings and activities associated wit the trauma, and may experience amnesia relating to certain aspects of the event. He or she may also show decreased interest in regular activites, or be afraid of leaving home.
Arousal:
An individual with PTSD persistently experiences symptoms of increased arousal such as sleep disturbances, irritability, anger outbursts, hypervigiliance, exaggerated startle response, or panic attacks.
A Note about Children and PTSD Symptoms:
In children, the symptoms of PTSD may be expressed by disorganized or agitated behavior. This can be mistaken for other disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Please consult with a child therapist who can do a proper evaluation for your child. If a traumatic history or memories are part of the child's history, you may be able to integrate EMDR as part of your ADHD treatment options.
The EMDR Therapist Network: We are professionals skilled in the therapeutic use of EMDR and we support your quest for health, happiness and well-being.
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