PTSD: The Injury You Won't Find on an X-Ray Research suggests post-traumatic stress disorder occurs in upwards of 25 percent of all survivors of critical illness or traumatic injury. AS A TRAUMA SURGEON, I often meet people on one of the worst days of their lives. The stress of being involved in a traumatic event can leave both physical and emotional scars. Although we diagnose and treat injuries before patients leave the hospital, there is one very serious injury that can still occur even after they're discharged: post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. PTSD is commonly associated with current and former members of the military, but you don't have to be in the military to be at risk for developing it. In fact, PTSD is relatively common in people who have suffered a traumatic injury, undergone major surgery or faced a critical illness. PTSD has been shown to occur in upwards of 25 percent of all survivors of critical illness or traumatic injury. It's also equally important to remember that not just the patients themselves are at risk for developing PTSD – family members of critically ill patients as well as the health care workers taking care of these patients are at an increased risk. Multiple surveys have shown that more than 10 percent of physicians and nurses in the hospital setting meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD. While it's normal for people who undergo a traumatic event to experience a wide range of emotions and reactions, it's the continuation of those elevated emotions and reactions for longer than a month after the inciting event that can lead to a diagnosis of PTSD. The development of PTSD can be life-altering and lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse and significant difficulty in interpersonal relationships. The good news is that there are several treatment options for PTSD, and the key is recognizing it early. Being aware that you or your loved one is at risk for PTSD is an important first step. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the symptoms can help you or your loved one seek the treatment they need from a medical professional. The symptoms of PTSD can vary widely and be both physical and emotional in nature. Physical symptoms can include: Difficulty eating Sweating Feeling of a rapid heartbeat Headaches Difficulty sleeping Emotional symptoms can include: Irritability Prone to anger, and angry outbursts Suicidal thoughts Lack of enjoyment in activities, a feeling of being "numb" If you've noticed these symptoms in either yourself or a loved one, or are concerned about PTSD, please seek help from your primary care physician or a behavioral health specialist. You are not alone, and treatments are available. Source
