Vehicle collisions are, by far, the leading cause of civilian PTSD in South Carolina. Extremely stressful situations trigger a chemical imbalance in the brain. The amygdala (emotional responses to stimuli) gets bigger, and the cerebral cortex (logical responses) gets smaller. This imbalance causes symptoms like anger, hypervigilance, depression, and flashbacks. Only the proper balance of medication and therapy controls PTSD. That proper balance varies among different individuals.
The trial-and-error nature of PTSD treatment, along with the ongoing treatment needs, make this brain injury one of the most expensive car crash injuries. A Columbia car accident attorney obtains the compensation these victims need to pay these bills and move forward with their lives. Since no one can turn back the clock and change what happened, moving forward is the best possible outcome after a crash.
Normal Stress Response
NSR is basically pre-PTSD. However, it does not always lead up to the full-blown disorder. Events like accidents, injuries, illnesses, surgeries and other sources of unreasonable amounts of tension and stress can all lead to this response. Typically, normal stress response can be effectively managed with the support of loved ones, peers and individual or group therapy sessions. Individuals suffering from normal stress response should see a recovery within a few weeks.
Acute Stress Disorder
ASD, while not the same as PTSD, can occur in people who have been exposed to what is or what feels like a life-threatening event. Natural disasters, loss of loved ones, loss of a job or risk of death are all stressors that can trigger acute stress disorder. If left untreated, acute stress disorder may actually develop into PTSD. Acute stress disorder can be treated through individual and group therapy, medication and intensive treatments designed by a psychiatrist.
Uncomplicated PTSD
This is the most common kind of car crash-related PTSD. It’s linked to one major traumatic event, versus multiple events, and is the easiest form of PTSD to treat. Symptoms of uncomplicated PTSD include: avoidance of trauma reminders, nightmares, flashbacks to the event, irritability, mood changes and changes in relationships. Uncomplicated PTSD can be treated through therapy, medication or a combination of both.
Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD is the opposite of uncomplicated PTSD. It is caused by multiple traumatic events, not just one. Complex PTSD is common in abuse or domestic violence cases, repeated exposure to war or community violence, or sudden loss. While they share the same symptoms, treatment of complex PTSD is a little more intense than uncomplicated PTSD. Individuals with complex PTSD can be diagnosed with borderline or antisocial personality disorder or dissociative disorders. They exhibit behavioral issues, such as impulsivity, aggression, substance abuse or sexual impulsivity. They can also exhibit extreme emotional issues, such as intense rage, depression or panic.
Comorbid PTSD
Comorbid PTSD is a blanket term for co-occurring disorders. It is applied when a person has more than one mental health concern, often coupled with substance abuse issues. Comorbid PTSD is extremely common, as many people suffer from more than one condition at a time. Best results are achieved when both the commingling mental health condition and the comorbid PTSD are treated at the same time. Many people who suffer from PTSD try to treat it on their own. This can include self-medication and other destructive behaviors. Using drugs or alcohol as a way to numb the pain will only make things worse and prolong treatment.
Talk to a Hard-Hitting Richland County Lawyer
Injury victims are entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Columbia, contact the Marc Brown Law Firm. You have a limited amount of time to act.
Source:
verywellmind.com/risk-factors-for-ptsd-following-a-traffic-accident-2797197