Managing Traumatic Stress
Ivanhoe Broadcast News - September 20, 2001
Sept. 20, 2001(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Even those not directly involved with last week's terrorist attacks on the United States are vulnerable to extreme psychological stress, say experts.
The thousands of Americans who are directly affected by the recent terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. may experience behavioral and emotional problems. The millions of people who witnessed the traumatic events on television can also encounter post traumatic stress disorder symptoms. "Sitting in front of the TV 24 hours a day, watching reports of horrific footage, it's understandable that people would have strong emotional reaction," says Russell Kormann, Ph.D., from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. Dr. Kormann says remembering a traumatic event can cause a person to re-experience it as if it is happening for the first time.
According to the American Psychological Association, some people are more vulnerable to PTSD, than others. A history of childhood abuse, mental illness or drug abuse can intensify anxiety. Psychologists say to look out for the following PTSD symptoms: Re-experiencing the event through vivid memories or flashbacks Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite Anxiety and fear Easily startled or overly alert Depression and low energy Irritable, angry and resentful Unable to focus on daily activities Memory problems, especially with details of the traumatic event Joel Silverman, M.D., from the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, says, "Most people handle stress well and will be okay." However, for some people the anxiety may develop into PTSD. To help cope with traumatic stress, doctors suggest people reach out to loved ones, talk about feelings and volunteer. To find out more about PTSD, go to the America Psychological Association's Web site at http://www.apa.org .
SOURCE: American Psychological Association, Sept. 2001 and American Counseling Association, Sept. 2001 Click here if you would like to receive a FREE weekly e-mail on Medical Breakthroughs.