War Trauma – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurs after you have been through a traumatic event; however just because you go through a traumatic event it doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is estimated that about 8% of men and 20% of women will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a traumatic event.

Experts have estimated that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurs in about the following:

• 30% of Vietnam veterans, or about 30 out of 100 Vietnam veterans.
• 10% of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans
• 6% to 11% of veterans of the Afghanistan war (Enduring Freedom), or in 6 to 11 veterans out of 100
• 12% to 20% of veterans of the Iraq war (Iraqi Freedom), or in 12 to 20 veterans out of 100

The missions that you encounter whilst you are serving at war may mean that you are exposed to life threatening experiences; you may be shot or someone you are servicing with may be caught in the line of fire. You may even experience death whilst you are stationed in various places around the world.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder. It occurs when you are afraid, your body activates the fight or flight response. This reaction releases adrenaline, which is responsible for increasing your blood pressure and heart rate as well as increasing glucose to muscles (to allow you to run away quickly in the face of immediate danger). However when this danger has gone your body begins to go through a process that shuts down the stress response and this process involves the release of another hormone known as cortisol. If your body doesn’t generate enough cortisol to shut down the stress reaction you may continue to feel the effects of adrenaline. Trauma victims who develop post-traumatic stress disorder often have higher levels of other stimulating hormones (catecholamines) under normal conditions in which the threat of trauma is not present. These same hormones kick in when they are reminded of their trauma.

When it comes to the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder the main treatment that is given is psychotherapy and basic counselling, this includes education about the condition as well as safety and support.

If you are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to your time spent serving in a war you could be entitled to compensation.

To find out where you stand legally with making a claim for compensation after suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder contact Accident Consultant today on 08081 68 69 70 and speak to one of our highly skilled legal team today.