Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Information and guidelines
- Slides: 9
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ) Information and guidelines for volunteers and relief workers in identifying and dealing with PTSD. 1 1/17/2022
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. What Is PTSD ? PTSD is the emotional distress that may follow a major, unexpected traumatic event. Can occur at any age, including childhood, and studies indicate that women are more vulnerable. Can be divided into : Immediate onset – soon after traumatic event. Delayed onset – after 6 months. PTSD is usually diagnosed when symptoms last for more than 1 month. Acute PTSD – symptoms last less than 3 months. Chronic PTSD – symptoms last more than 3 months. 2 1/17/2022
Importance Recognition and early counseling of victims can reduce symptoms of PTSD and can prevent chronic forms of PTSD. l Symptoms of PTSD usually go unattended due to lack of awareness. l Relief workers sometimes experience similar symptoms (secondary traumatization), and are advised to deal with the same by relaxation techniques. l 3 1/17/2022
l l l l Common Symptoms Repetitive memories, nightmares and flashbacks of event. Intense distress during events reminiscent of trauma. Lack of interest and detachment. Easily startled and excessively alert. Feelings of anger / irritability. Difficulty in sleeping, reading, concentrating and change in appetite. Many people try to avoid thoughts of the event and are unable to recall aspects of the trauma. 4 1/17/2022
Associated symptoms • • • Anxiety, depression and sense of despair. Addiction - especially alcohol abuse. Feelings of intense guilt (‘survival guilt’) In addition there may be complaints like headache, dizziness, stomach pain and chest pain. 5 1/17/2022
Dealing with PTSD ü The key words are SUPPORT, ATTACHMENT and UNDERSTANDING. Relief workers and volunteers can help in a major way by mobilizing group support systems to deal with the trauma. 6 1/17/2022
What volunteers can do 1. 2. 3. 4. Form support groups of people who shared the trauma. Encourage victims to talk about the event, express feelings and thereby gain some sense of mastery over the experience and help rebuild confidence. Help in developing a commitment to something meaningful. Help children, listen to them, hug them ! 7 1/17/2022
Encourage victims to seek professional help…. • • • Professional help from qualified medical personnel should be sought for : subsequent therapy. medication where necessary. differentiating PTSD from other disorders. 8 1/17/2022
In concluding… • • PTSD is a recognized medical condition which should be identified and treated. Volunteers and relief workers should be able to provide early counseling to victims. 9 1/17/2022
