Stress

Years after the war, a veteran may end up lying on his bed all night, unable to sleep.  Flashbacks and nightmares plague his mind, and anger rushes through his veins.  It has been 2 months since he has returned from his military post, but unfortunately, the events he experienced continue to haunt him, preventing him from being a normal citizen of society in his work, home, and every day life.  The next day, he may go to his doctor to treat his symptoms, to find that he has been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder.  His doctor prescribes him an order of Benzodiazepines, containing Valium, to reduce his anxiety and help him fall asleep.  Is the doctor helping the veteran overcome his posttraumatic stress disorder, or is he hampering his ability to recover?

Posttraumatic stress disorder is a disorder of anxiety that usually affects those experiencing a physically traumatic event.  Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder may include flashbacks, difficulty falling asleep, anger, and paranoia.  Those experiencing impairment from everyday activities due to a traumatic event for over a month are diagnosed.  Extreme physical or psychological trauma, or a combination of both, is the common cause of posttraumatic stress disorder.  Those victim to the disorder struggle often with the symptoms, and finding the right treatment is paramount to reviving his or her functionality.

Recent studies have found that benzodiazepines, or sleeping pills, can in fact prolong one’s recovery from posttraumatic stress disorder.  Scientists have studied the effects of these sleeping pills on the mind of somebody suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.  In 2002, volunteers suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were tested with benzodiazepine.  Those who received the sleeping pills displayed more outward symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in a week than those who were given a placebo.  In another study, mice were given benzodiazepine and tested for symptoms.  Again, those with exposure to benzodiazepines displayed more symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.  There has been no concrete proof that these sleeping pills may have the same effect on humans as of yet, but the research has brought upon a cause for concern among the medical community.

So what are some safe ways to deal with symptoms of PTSD?  The National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has come up with a few:

1.  Cognitive Therapy

There are two types of therapy that can be used for effective treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder.  In cognitive therapy, a therapist helps the victim understand his or her symptoms along with his or her perception of the trauma.

2.  Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy, on the other hand, focuses on dropping the fear associated with the negative memories.  Hopefully, these therapeutic strategies will lessen the symptoms.

3.  Medication

There are medications available for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs) such as Prozac can help depressive symptoms.  They may or may not work, as medication affects each person differently.

4.  Group Therapy

In group therapy, victims of posttraumatic stress disorder talk with other people who have shared similar experiences.  The sharing of experiences may relieve stress and even help the victim better understand their symptoms.  Group therapy also provides the victim with relationships that may aid in their recovery.