Introduction
Trauma is an assault on the human mind and body which have an effect on several subsystems, like physiologic, social as well as emotional functions. Trauma frequently leads to enduring psychiatric conditions (like nervousness that will not lessen, depressive disorder, or mental and emotional injuries that will not mend) (Najavits, 2002). The multiplicity of conditions that inhabit the broad term “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” (PTSD) shares a distinction as adverse conditions resulting from trauma.
Definition of Post traumatic stress disorder
PTSD is defined as a condition that results from experiencing (or witnessing) life-threatening events that extend beyond one’s coping capacity, emotional resources, and existential world view. It is a powerful shock that may have long-lasting consequences’.
The effects of trauma can be immediately overwhelming. Though, it occurs as a result of veteran’s exposure to an event which exceeds normal human experience: an experience which would clearly distress, nearly all person. It is the average human reaction to an odd circumstance (Najavits, 2002). It can also mean a complex and multidimensional latticework of symptoms, memories, events, responses, and belief, and treatment hinges on these complex intersections.
Summary of the article
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is damaging to the social side of Veteran’s experience, which compounds the negative feedback loop of personal disorientation and estrangement. Upheavals in veteran’s social life on account of odd, violent, or reclusive behavior can lead to abuse, failed relationships, isolation, or worse. PTSD is associated with the level of a veteran’s integration into social networks. It is identified by changes in behavior, attitude, and values following armed combat, accidents, natural disaster, rape, torture, or abuse. The putative traumatic event can be momentary (as in the case of sniper fire) or span several years (in the case of threats and attacks by insurgents).
When a person who has suffered trauma fails to recover, regain equilibrium, or “get on with life,” psychotherapists typically employ the diagnostic category PTSD, because the conditions involved ostensibly stem from some original traumatic locus, the disorder itself is considered “post-traumatic” (Najavits, 2002).
One of the most challenging aspects of a traumatic, emotional disturbance involves the loss of one’s individual perspective or personal myth that ensures the security and safety of the world. This loss is not easily remedied with drugs, catharsis, deconditioning, or social support. If these interventions do produce long-term positive change, it is largely because they imbue patients’ lives with new mythologies that revitalize meaning.
Impact of Treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The convolution of PTSD and its potential treatments extends well beyond the pale of a veteran’s immediate social clime, no matter its benefit, and it is essential to note the critical role of belief structures in the appearance of PTSD and its treatment.
A careful and thorough inspection of the situation as necessitated in the treatment procedure appeared to have the impact, not of relieving but rather worsening the anger, shame, guilt, self-accusations, feelings of failure, and rumination associated with performance in the traumatic situation (Najavits, 2002). Although activation of the trauma network, or schema, may sufficiently alter perceptions of danger, and hence, fear, there may be no alteration in emotional effects other than fear without straight encounter of variances, misattributions, or expectations. Victims may still blame themselves, feel they have not recovered or handled the event quickly enough, feel shame or disgust, or experience anger, all of which emerge as severe to ease intrusive memories and prevention results.
Reference List
Najavits, L.M. (2002). Seeking safety: A treatment manual for PTSD and substance abuse. New York: Guilford Press.