قم بتحميل هذا المقال بالعربية (PDF)*This article in ArabicWe talk about traumatic stress only since 1980, when it was introduced for the first time into the professional community, to acknowledge the impact that experiences of physical, emotional or sexual abuse in- and outside families, or experiencing war or natural catastrophes, can have on survivors. All of them have in common that they pose a threat to people’s life, and/or identity. Also, witnessing, or learning about, that other people who are psychologically close to the observer go through such experiences, can have the same effect on the observer. Survivors or witnesses of such experiences often react to these experiences with intense fear, helplessness, or horror, and are at a high risk to develop in the long run a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
But by far not all survivors or witnesses of traumatic experiences develop PTSD. Whether people develop PTSD after traumatic stress depends, among others, on their previous experiences, their genetic disposition, temperament, current personality, knowledge, skills, philosophical outlook on life, and other concurrent life events (which can be either supportive, or adding more stress to the traumatic stress experience).
It is very important that especially in the first 4 weeks following a traumatic stress experience people apply sound self- help techniques (see previous articles) in a safe environment and experience much social support and understanding.
A Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is usually diagnosed at least 4 weeks after the traumatic event happened, but can even occur years later. PTSD impacts negatively on a person’s occupational and social functioning.
There are four core clusters of PTSD symptoms: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes of content of thoughts and emotions, and alterations of physical and emotional state (called hyperarousal). Some of these symptoms come very close to the core symptoms of depression.
Features of Intrusion are:
· Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
· Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
· Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
· Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
Features of Avoidance are:
· Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
· Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Features of Negative Changes in Thoughts and Emotions are:
· Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
· Hopelessness about the future
· Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
· Difficulty maintaining close relationships
· Feeling detached from family and friends
· Lack of interest in activities you enjoyed earlier
· Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
· Feeling emotionally numb and indifferent
· Overwhelming guilt or shame
Features of Change in Physical and Emotional Reactions include:
· Being easily startled or frightened, being “jumpy”
· Always watching out for danger
· Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
· Trouble sleeping
· Trouble concentrating
· Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
If these symptoms persist for more than 1 month and impair your personal, occupational and social functioning, please ask for professional help.