Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Health Video

Video Transcript

CLIFFORD SEWELL, MD: Hello. It's Dr. Sewell. A message about posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder as we have been reading in the news with the conflict overseas. It is most often associated with war veterans. However, posttraumatic stress disorder can occur after any serious psychological insult or injury to a patient. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder often occur six months after or following the severe psychiatric trauma. Patient has normal coping mechanisms which can maintain routine activities and normal behavior for approximately six months. If the psychological stress is not resolved with the coping mechanism, if it persists, then organic problems and somatic problems which are psychiatric and physical complaints can develop. These include insomnia, restlessness, nightmares, anxiety, depression, problems at work, problems with social development and drug use and alcohol abuse. Posttraumatic stress disorder is a serious ailment best handled by a psychiatrist. If you suspect your loved one may have posttraumatic stress disorder, it is best to get psychiatric help right away.