Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Is this a life-long disorder or does it go away in time?

Question

I do research for sexual assault victims and other abuse victim's support groups and PTSD is very common in victims. I have been asked by several if their nightmares )and other simptoms will go away.) Serious answers would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I have post traumatic stress disorder!! It is a life-long disorder and it doesn't go away!! You don't necessarily live with it everyday but once in a while, it comes back if something happens that really scare you! I also have panic attacks which are controlled now with medication{Lorazepam} I don't think their nightmares will go away because what happened to me, I will never forget!!!!

Answer 2

It depends. Post-trauma is common for anyone experiencing a traumatic experience. It's a disorder when it continues for extended time or it reappears some time later (months/years), disrupts a person's life be it nightmares, avoiding situations to avoid re-experiencing, psychologically being totally back in the situation, etc.

Based on what I've researched, it's thought that the memory goes to a more primal part of the brain memory system that is integral in emotions and has a lot to do with regulating freeze, fight, or flight responses (amygdala). Part of this includes shutting off emotions as a survival mechanism. A consequence is that the experience is not processed thru to the neocortex while genuinely feeling the experience while it happens (the way normal memories are created). It's thought that the re-experiencing might be the brain's way of moving the memory thru to normal memory storage later when it's safe to have feelings. Some people do this naturally over time. Others need therapy that gets them to basically re-experience and fully process the experience. A few can never fully process it despite therapy and medication. Btw, the memory remains - the issue is getting it to be more like a regular memory that is not retraumatizing when remembered.

Depending on the person's genetics (pre-disposition), the type of trauma (human caused tends to be substantially worse than natural disasters), and the repeated exposure to trauma (repeatedly being molested over time as a kid vs single incident), as well as number of traumatizing events thru life (molested when young then living in a war zone then raped as an adult), all factor into odds of full recovery. In other words, the right type of therapy can reduce or possibly eliminate the the "daymares" and nightmares, but it still depends on the person.

All this is current theory, or at least my understanding of it.

If you are working with people even as a volunteer, it'd be wise to get more educated on the subject, but always remind them that you're not an expert and that it'd be to their benefit to work with a licensed therapist trained in trauma. The sooner post-trauma is dealt with, the better the odds of full recovery.

Answer 3

I had a bout with PTSD many years ago. Yes, it does abate quite a bit-- especially with the help of therapy and a good support system. How long it takes it, of course, dependent on the trauma involved and the therapy/support available. The trauma will always be a part of you, but eventually you'll be able to look at it without the ghastly feelings and nightmares. It's a gradual process. It took me about 3-5 years.

Answer 4

****It's NOT genetic. Good grief. You can ONLY get PTSD by having something happen to YOU.

Only with counseling and time. But, yes...it can get much better. It never goes completely away. It's something that happened to you, but how you live your life after wards is now up to you. If you let it interfere with your day-to-day living....then you've become a victim. Don't be a victim.

Answer 5

initially stay removed from the unlawful components they're going to in effortless terms make issues worse. Secondly i does not call them acquaintances, pot isn't a relaxant and it will upload further issues on your existence. Now as to PTSD you will desire to ascertain a therapist and communicate approximately what has got here approximately. so as which you will start to regulate the subjects that are troubling you. Please, pass see a psychological well being expert. God bless you

Answer 6

I have PTSD from my fathers death and it's been six years...I don't think your ever truly cured. There are going to be times in life when it eases up and other times when it will be like it happened just yesterday! I just believe that in time it will be easier to deal with and you wont have to resort to your old ways.

I hope that helps.

Answer 7

This is a very good blog, a beginner’s guide to abnormal psychology.
Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author regarding particular subject you are interested in, FREE

http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/

Answer 8

well, i am sure that this is a life long disorder. there are ways to help treat it to make it less severe. ptsd is something that shows up in anyone who has seen bad things or had bad things done to them. this is a fact that ptsd can be genetic, so depending on your family helps you out. hope this helps!!

Answer 9

with therapy, the symptoms will lessen over time, eventually they will be an occasional problem (anniversaries etc.) Don't go away altogether unfortunately.