Consequences of an Injury: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, was not formally diagnosed until 1980. Like all mental disorders, doctors are still searching for a clear understanding of its causes and possible treatments. One thing is not in debate, however: PTSD is a very difficult, potentially debilitating disorder.
At the offices of Jacksonville personal injury lawyer Don Guthrie, we understand that the damage done by a serious accident is not always physical. We are committed to helping accident survivors who later develop PTSD receive the compensation they need for high quality treatment.
Common Causes of PTSD
Before it became a formal diagnosis, PTSD was known by many names, include “soldier’s heart” and “shell shock.” As these suggest, it was most commonly associated with the psychological trauma that can be inflicted by war. However, psychologists now know that people who have never seen combat can still develop these symptoms.
PTSD can be caused by any event that a person perceives as life-threatening. Sadly common examples include assault, abuse, serious car or plane accidents, and other accidents such as medical errors.
Symptoms of PTSD
The painful symptoms of PTSD can affect both physical and mental health. They can also disrupt all areas of patients’ lives, from their career to their families. Commonly report symptoms include:
- Re-living the event through nightmares and/or flashbacks
- Avoidance of any “triggers,” i.e. reminders that may cause anxiety or flashbacks
- Hypervigilance, a state of always being on the lookout for threats
- Anger management difficulties
- Anhedonia, or a persistent feeling of emotional numbness
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has developed PTSD after an avoidable accident, you may be able to win compensation for the expense of psychological treatment. To learn more, contact Jacksonville PTSD attorney Don Guthrie at 904-296-1088.