News & Information - The Mercury - May 2009 Mercury

by MAJ Richard Barton
CHPPM

	Photo illustration by Garth Gerhart/Fort Hood

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can appear after a person has witnessed or experienced an event they perceive as traumatic.

Common signs of PTSD are persistently experiencing the event through dreams or flashbacks, avoiding events or situations that are similar to the event, increased anxious feelings, and significant impairment of social, occupational or personal functioning. When these symptoms continue in combination beyond a month, those combinations of symptoms could be PTSD.

People who witnessed or experienced childhood or adult physical, emotional or sexual abuse; assault; an auto accident; or a near-death experience may also experience PTSD-like reactions. Firefighters and police officers who place themselves in harm’s way may have reactions that are similar to PTSD. Service members who are involved directly or indirectly in combat or deal with the results of combat actions may have experiences that lead to reactions similar to PTSD.

Long Known

In 490 B.C., the Greek historian Herodotus, in recording the Battle of Marathon, described PTSD-like reactions in an Athenian Soldier. Through the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs, identification of specific symptoms and the use of the term PTSD began during the Vietnam War.

Most individuals exposed to a traumatic event experience some level of acute stress reactions, or Acute Stress Disorder. These reactions are similar to PTSD, however the length of time and continued intensity distinguishes one from the other. ASD lasts between two days and four weeks. Reactions that are lesser in intensity and length are commonly referred to as combat reactions.

Sleep Deprivation

Contributing factors that can lead to PTSD are reduced levels of sleep due to dreams or agitation (frequently called hyper-vigilance) that may lead to sleep deprivation and the misuse of alcohol used to manage reactions. Increased alcohol tolerance can magnify the potential for addiction, and studies have shown that excessive alcohol use will adversely affect sleep patterns, multiplying the impact of sleep deprivation.

Overall, people with combat reactions, ASD or PTSD can learn to successfully identify and manage their reactions. For those who have, the common factor is that they acknowledged and accepted their situation and did something about it.

If after 120 days of post-deployment, there is not a significant improvement in sleep or a decrease in combat reactions, seek assistance from your primary-care provider. You might also search out another health-care professional, such as a behavioral health officer or chaplain. Military One Source, www.militaryonesource.com , also offers resources.

From the May 2009 Mercury, an Army Medical Department publication.