Download Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Facts

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Facts
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that
can occur after a person has been through a traumatic event.
common mental health
Currently, PTSD affects
an estimated 12.5% or
1 in 8 of the population.
Types of
PTSD
The proportion of ADF
personnel who served in
combat roles in Iraq and
(PTSD) is one of the more
problems that can arise following
exposure to psychological
10% of the population with experience trauma.
PTSD at some point in their lifetime.
While there are
Acute
Chronic
Delayed
Symptoms
starting as early
as weeks to 3
months.
Symptoms
lasting 3
months or
longer.
Symptoms
developing 6
months after
event.
The causes of PTSD begins with a Traumatic event such as:
Combat (Warzone)
Attack or Assault
Serious Accident
Natural Disaster
Terror Attack
Death
The signs and symptoms of PTSD are:
Reoccurring Symptoms Avoidance Symptoms
Avoiding objects, events,
Flashbacks
people associated with
Bad Dreams
traumatic event
Frighting Thoughts
Emotionally numb
Lost of interest in activities
Treatment options:
Medications
Therapy Sessions
Depression and Sleeping
medications are the most
popular forms of treatment
among doctors.
Talking about the traumatic
event can help but in some
cases it can also make it
worse causing panic.
effective
treatments
available, many people,
especially veterans, do not
seek or receive help for the
condition
Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) is a
condition that can
develop in response to
single or repeated
exposure to
traumatic events.
Hyperarousal Symptoms
Being easily startled
Feeling tense or “on edge”
Angry outbursts
Sleeping difficulties
Service Dogs
have been used to help
control the symptoms
and prevent panic
attacks.
Two thirds of children
experience a potential
traumatic event by the time
they turn 15. Of those,
one third will develop
PTSD.
Afghanistan who have
or will develop PTSD.
3-6 months
Period at home before
psychological screenings
are conducted on returned
soldiers. Test also
conducted before they
return.
The Australian
prevalence
rates for PTSD are 4.4%
(12 month) and 7.2%
(lifetime).
Rates of PTSD are higher
after specific traumas;
interpersonal trauma such
as assault and torture
leading to lifetime
prevalence rates
as high as 50%.
Experimental
A variety of experimental
treatments exist ranging from
virtual trauma exposure to
medical ecstasy injections.
More than 2 of 10
veterans with PTSD also
struggle with
substance abuse
Approximately two-
thirds of the Australian
population will experience
events that are
potentially traumatic.
50% of sexual
assault victims
develop PTSD.
Sources: www.abc.net.au; www.sane.org.au
www.beyondblue.org.au; www.abs.gov.au