NCJ Number
190596
Date Published
August 2000
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This booklet provides information on the signs of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and available resources for help.
Abstract
Almost 70 percent of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives and up to 20 percent of these people go on to develop PTSD. An estimated 5 percent of Americans have PTSD at any given time. PTSD is a complex disorder associated with exposure to extreme trauma. Clusters of symptoms may or may not appear for months--even years--following the traumatic experience. PTSD sufferers often feel alone and isolated by their experience and tend to disconnect from others and, in a way, from their own lives. Many people with PTSD can be helped with the appropriate treatment as a result of early recognition and intervention. The challenge in recognizing PTSD is that some people may present with somatic symptoms that may not be clearly associated with past trauma. Some co-occurring problems that can mask or intensify PTSD are psychiatric problems such as depression; self-destructive behavior such as alcohol or drug abuse; and physical complaints such as chronic pain with no medical basis. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medication. Friends and family can play a critical role as part of the support system. When family is the source of trauma, it is important for therapists to be supportive and help the patient connect with professional resources. Vicarious traumatization, also known as secondary trauma or compassion fatigue, is a normal occupational hazard when working with people who have been traumatized. Treatment providers may begin to show symptoms of traumatic stress themselves so they must be prepared for this effect and take care of themselves by setting and maintaining healthy professional and personal boundaries.