Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) relates to the mental health issues that develop as a result of the traumatic event and continue to affect the neurophysiologic responses.1 Many adolescent victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, exposure to domestic violence, and other traumatic events have been diagnosed with PSTD.2 There are three core groups of symptoms related to PSTD. The first deals with the way the traumatic experience is recalled, where upsetting thoughts and images reoccur, and nightmares and strong physical and emotional reactions are a part of daily life. The second group involves avoidance of situations, people, and places that remind the adolescent of the traumatic event. With the third group of symptoms, the body continues to stay on alert, causing physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches. Adolescents in particular can be challenged by post traumatic reactions. They may feel that they are alone in their pain and that they are different from others. These types of post traumatic reactions may lead to one of two extreme behaviors: engaging in behaviors that are destructive to themselves, such as self-cutting, or to the other extreme of avoiding emotions that can be overwhelming, by using alcohol and drugs.3 << PreviousNext >> |
