Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop following a traumatic experience including car accidents, physical or sexual assaults, or other events that include psychological and/or physical trauma.
Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD can last for years without proper treatment and become debilitating as symptoms frequently include:
- Re-experiencing the traumatic event over and over again through nightmares and flashbacks
- Insomnia, including trouble falling or staying asleep
- Extreme anger
- Avoidance of anything associated with the traumatic event (i.e. – being unable to ride in a car after a car accident)
- Hypervigilance (an increased state of sensory sensitivity with perceived threats)
- Being easily startled
While it is natural to experience some or all of these symptoms temporarily after experiencing trauma, those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder continue to experience these symptoms months or years after the initial event.
If you have been involved in a traumatic accident and continue to experience these symptoms intensely more than a month after the accident has taken place you should consult a medical or mental health professional as you may be suffering from PTSD.
Treatment Options for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Since everyone experiences trauma differently, your PTSD symptoms, treatment, and recovery will most likely be specific to your case. Thankfully, there are psychological treatments (including therapy) as well as medications, stress management, and other services available that can help you recover from the harmful effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The most important thing you can do if you believe you or someone you love may be suffering from PTSD is to seek professional help. PTSD will not go away on its own and may in fact increase in severity if left untreated. By seeking medical assistance you can regain control of your life and work towards becoming healthier emotionally, mentally, and physically.
If Your PTSD was Caused by Negligence
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can completely change your life. If you have sustained a trauma through someone else’s negligence (such as a car accident or assault) in Boston or Andover you should contact a Massachusetts personal injury attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability.
When you are interviewing Massachusetts personal injury lawyers for your case, ask critical questions, such as: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement you have won on behalf of your clients, and do you have experience with PTSD cases in Massachusetts?
Call 1-800-410–2769 for a Free evaluation of your case.
