Effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

There are many effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The symptoms of this disorder can cause further upset and disruption in the lives of sufferers, long after the initial trauma is over. When faced with those effects, many people choose treatment rather than living a severely circumscribed life.

Depression and anxiety

Many people find that their symptoms cause distressing anxiety. Panic attacks, featuring sweats, pounding and racing hearts and feelings of going crazy, occur often. People begin to feel hopeless and desperate for the feelings to end. This can lead to avoidance behavior, as an effort to minimize the attacks. Along with anxiety, there is a risk of depression occurring. Because it is impossible to stop the memories, it is easy for people to feel depressed and feel that their life is out of their control.

Effects on families

There are risks to family and friends who have a loved one who suffers from this disorder. Emotional upset and avoidance behavior causes many sufferers to avoid spending quality time with loved ones. They may lash out in anger, feeling that no one possibly understands what they are going through. Family members who may not understand what is going on may, in turn, avoid the loved one, who is exhibiting behavior that makes them feel uncomfortable. They may also just avoid them because they do not know what to do to make things better.

There are many effects of PTSD. Sufferers may end up with further emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Relationships with family are often strained, and they may, in turn, avoid places and people that they once loved.