Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Post traumatic stress disorder is also called PTSD. This condition occurs after suffering or facing a traumatic (hurtful) event that brings you much pain or sorrow. The stressful event may make you think you will get hurt or die. You may continue to feel helpless after the event. You may re-live or re-experience the traumatic event long after it happened. You may also avoid things related to the event. Mood swings and over-reacting to situations are other symptoms of PTSD. These experiences often affect your daily activities, work, and relationships. Counseling and medicines are used to treat PTSD.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

PTSD symptoms may get worse if not treated. You may have problems working or getting along with others. PTSD may affect your eating and sleeping which may cause other health problems. You may hurt yourself or others. Ask your caregiver if you have questions about PTSD, medicine, and care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Psychiatric assessment:

Caregivers will ask if you have a history of psychological trauma, such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse. They will ask if you were given the care that you needed. Caregivers will ask you if you have been a victim of a crime or natural disaster, or if you have a serious injury or disease. They will ask you if you have seen other people being harmed, such as in combat. You will be asked if you drink alcohol or use drugs at present or in the past. Caregivers will ask you if you want to hurt or kill yourself or others. How you answer these questions can help caregivers decide on treatment. To help during treatment, caregivers will ask you about such things as how you feel about it and your hobbies and goals. Caregivers will also ask you about the people in your life who support you.

Medicines:

You may have any of the following:

• Anti-depressants: These medicines are given to decrease or stop the symptoms of depression.
  
  
• Sedative: This medicine is given to help you stay calm and relaxed.
  
  
• Tranquilizers: These are also called sedatives and may be given to help you stay calm and relaxed.

Tests:

You may have the following tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Urine sample: For this test you need to urinate into a small container. You will be given instructions on how to clean your genital area before you urinate. Do not touch the inside of the cup. Follow instructions on where to place the cup of urine when you are done.

Treatment options:

You may have any of the following:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: With a therapist, you will learn to face the feared object or situation slowly and carefully. You will also learn to control the mental and physical reactions of fear.
  
  
  • Assertiveness training: This training teaches you to stand up for yourself. You will learn to ask for what you need, how to set limits, and how to say no.
    
    
  • Cognitive restructuring: Caregivers help you learn which thoughts produce anxiety. These thoughts are replaced with more pleasant ones.
    
    
  • Exposure therapy: Exposure or desensitization therapy helps you face a feared object, person, or situation. Fantasy (not real) or real-life situations are used with this therapy. The goal of desensitization therapy is to help decrease your fear or anxiety.
    
    
  • Relaxation therapy: Stress may cause pain, lead to illness, and slow healing. Relaxation therapy teaches you how to feel less physical and emotional stress. Deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and music are some forms of relaxation therapy.
  
  
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: This is also called EMDR and is a type of exposure therapy. Caregivers help you make your eyes move back and forth while you re-imagine the trauma.
  
  
• Psychological debriefing: This is often a single meeting with a therapist to have crisis counseling. You may have this right after a traumatic event to prevent or decrease unwanted emotional problems.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Inpatient Care)