One of the most common injuries suffered by accident victims is not only physical injury, but mental. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by exposure to trauma. PTSD has been a diagnosis for many war veterans due to the stresses and traumas experienced and witnessed by soldiers. In the car accident arena, the diagnosis of PTSD is very common. Typically, our clients with this diagnosis is have experienced a car accident, dog attack, assault, or other traumatic event. The most common symptom from our clients is an uncontrolled anxiety. Ranging from riding in a car, to a fear of being a passenger anticipating a horrific accident. Often our clients will, for no apparent reason, start sobbing in our interview. It is important to see a health care professional if you feel you might be experiencing these problems.

PTSD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV explains the following elements that usually accompany the diagnosis:
1. Exposure to a traumatic event

2. Persistent re-experience (e.g. flashbacks, nightmares)

3. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma (e.g. inability to talk about things even related to the experience. Avoidance of things and discussions that trigger flashbacks and re-experiencing symptoms. Fear of losing control.)

4. Persistent symptoms of increased arousal (e.g. difficulty falling or staying asleep, anger hypervigilence)

5. Duration of symptoms more than 1 month

6. Significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
(e.g. problems with work and relationships.)

Call Benson & Bingham today, if you have suffered an injury and need a referral to a top notch heath care provider. One call - that’s all it will take to get you the representation you need and the care you deserve for PTSD.

See Also: Problems with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or RPS?