About this topic
Post-traumatic stress disorder is often called PTSD. It can happen to people who have suffered from a severe injury or harm. It may also happen after seeing someone else harmed or die from a painful event. War veterans, rape and abuse victims, those who have been in car or plane crash, and people who have been part of a natural disaster are more likely to develop PTSD. Signs may include bad dreams, reliving the event over and over, or feeling very down. You may fear or avoid others or certain places. You may feel angry, worried, or even guilty. ‚
Sometimes, your signs show up within a short time after the event. For some, signs may not show up for months or years. Doctors will work to treat the signs you have from PTSD. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Try to sleep 6 to 8 hours a night and allow for rest time during the day.
- Eat a healthy diet with many food choices.
- Stay active and exercise often.
- Look for ways to lower your stress. Take a long walk, find a hobby, or spend time with family and friends.
- Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) and drinks with caffeine. These can make you more anxious.
- If you smoke, stop. Ask your doctor if you need help stopping.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may have you see a specialist in talk therapy. This way you will be able to talk about your feelings and thoughts. You may also do this as part of a group.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat low mood
- Help you sleep
- Treat other signs of PTSD
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activity like sports and exercise may help you feel well. Talk to your doctor about what activity will be good. Think about your signs and choose places for activity that will not increase your stress. Have friends or family join you. Ask your doctor if you need help to manage any tiredness the drugs may cause. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Low mood
- Problems with work, school, or everyday life
- Feeling alone and not able to talk with others about how you are living with PTSD
- Eating problems
- Poor sleep or nightmares
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Harming yourself or someone else
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
If you have seen or been part of a very bad event, talk about it with family, friends, or seek professional help. This may help prevent your signs from getting worse. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs do not get better
- Trouble coping with your feelings
- Feel out of control
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my stress.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble trouble coping with my feelings or think of hurting myself or someone else.
Where can I learn more?
National Center for PTSD ‚
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/therapy-med/what-if-think-have-ptsd.asp ‚
National Institute of Mental Health ‚
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚