According to the Mayo Clinic, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after an individual is exposed to “an event that involved the actual or possible threat of death, violence or serious injury.” This exposure can happen if you directly experienced the traumatic event, witness the event in person, learn that someone you love experienced/was threatened by the event, or if you are repeatedly exposed to graphic details of traumatic events. An individual may have PTSD if the problems experienced after this exposure continue for more than a month.
In order to diagnose PTSD, doctors usually perform a physical exam, psychological evaluation, and use the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment often involves psychotherapy and/or medication.
Symptoms may include reliving the trauma through memories, flashbacks, and nightmares. Difficulty sleeping and concentrating, easily being irritated, and feeling jumpy are also common. Individuals may also feel emotionally numb and actively avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event.
If you believe you are suffering from PTSD, make an appointment with your doctor. Be sure to bring a list of symptoms you’ve been experiencing, things you have stopped doing/begun avoiding because of the post-traumatic stress, and any questions you have.
In some cases, PTSD can be a direct result of a traumatic event that caused injury or even death. If you or a loved one is experiencing PTSD as a result of a personal injury, contact us today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
