Early Help May Prevent Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Thursday, August 29, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — A car crash, an assault, military combat or disasters caused by nature or people, all can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Left untreated, PTSD can be a disabling anxiety disorder. Some research suggests that the use of cognitive behavior therapy in the first weeks after a traumatic event may prevent the potential development of PTSD, according to the September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Signs and symptoms associated with PTSD include reliving the event in flashbacks, nightmares or physical reactions; avoiding people and places that remind you of the incident; emotional numbness or detachment; difficulty concentrating; sleep disturbances irritability; and survivor guilt.

If you have symptoms after a traumatic event, check with your doctor. Early intervention may help.

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Shelly Plutowski
507-284-5005(days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

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