The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder occurs in people experiencing a stressful event that is particularly distressing.  It is associated with persistent re-experiencing of the event, avoidance of stimuli associated with the event, and symptoms of increased arousal.  Although symptoms usually begin immediately after the stressor, there may be a delayed onset.  Once the symptoms begin, post-traumatic stress disorder frequently persists for years. 

Early treatment is important and depends heavily on the attitudes of the family and the physician.  Symptoms such as avoidance, loss of interest, and emotional numbing often respond better to psychotherapy than to medication.

Although all people with post-traumatic stress disorder require psychotherapy, medication frequently has a positive effect along with the results of psychotherapy, particularly with hyperarousal and the re-experiencing of the event.  You should always consult a physician if you feel you are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you would like more information, please contact The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Michigan chapter at 800-331-4264, or visit them online at www.namimi.org.

Phone code: 1738