Articles tagged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
A study of 182 Oklahoma City bombing survivors revealed high rates of postdisaster psychiatric disorders, with 45% experiencing symptoms in the six months following the explosion. The investigation also identified specific symptoms that indicated the need for treatment, including avoidance and numbing symptoms.
A 1993 study found that 18-33% of Bosnian refugees screened for PTSD experienced symptoms, significantly higher than 0.3-1.3% in Swedish controls. The trauma reported by refugees included combat experience, family separation, and sexual abuse.
A recent study of nearly 400 South Carolina women reveals that serious crime victims are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional disorders. The effects were strongest for rape and life-threatening crimes, with robbery and burglary not linked to an increased risk.
A researcher found that cognitive behavioral psychotherapies effectively treat various traumatic events, reducing intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Long-lasting benefits were also observed in studies following participants after treatment.
Traumatic stress triggers an intricate response in the body's biochemical equilibrium, affecting the brain, endocrine, and immune systems. Research aims to understand this process to create more effective treatments for related disorders.
Researchers found that lower precombat and current intelligence were associated with PTSD symptoms among Vietnam veterans. Lower intelligence may lead to increased feelings of overwhelm and helplessness, increasing the risk for chronic PTSD.
A study of 1,399 Vietnam veterans found that those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were 50-150% more likely to develop serious diseases. Veterans with PTSD who saw heavy combat were particularly at risk for circulatory and respiratory problems.
A UT Southwestern researcher has re-examined reports of stress in Gulf War veterans, finding minimal support for the theory that symptoms are stress-related. The data suggests a very low prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Gulf War veterans.
In a groundbreaking study, antidepressant Zoloft significantly reduced depression, anxiety, insomnia, and reexperiencing of trauma in rape victims with chronic PTSD. Four out of five women participating in the study responded positively to treatment after 12 weeks on Zoloft.
Studies using high-resolution MRI scans show that long-term stress can cause a crucial part of the human brain to shrink. Research has found links between stress hormones and atrophy in regions responsible for memory and learning, such as the hippocampus.