How Car Accidents Can Cause PTSD

Some of the most troublesome medical problems that are caused by auto accidents are caused by stress and anxiety. One of the more common medical conditions that can arise is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Any kind of anxiety disorder can have serious consequences on the victim and their loved ones, but PTSD can flat-out ruin lives. The victim's personal relationships, health, and job performance can all see serious downturns. PTSD is oftentimes associated with Shell Shock or wartime trauma, but serious auto accidents can have the same effect. PTSD is a very serious medical condition that can be directly caused by the traumatic experience of being in a car crash.

PTSD Defined:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that affects approximately 20% of people that experience traumatic events. With PTSD sufferers unlike victims of other anxiety disorders, however, PTSD is triggered by a traumatic experience, it lasts for a prolonged period of time, and has severe life-altering symptoms that can affect all different aspects of a victims life.

Some common symptoms of PTSD include: Flashbacks, Nightmares, Feeling removed from life, Random thoughts about the traumatic experience, Anger, Inability to sleep or insomnia, Forgetting parts of the traumatic event, Hypervigilence, Irritability, A sense of fear when the event is mentioned or thought of

PTSD can be tricky to diagnose as it does not always develop right away. In fact, sometimes it will take weeks, months or even years for the victim to start feeling the effects of PTSD. Abused or assaulted children may develop PTSD many years after the traumatic incidents took place.

PTSD Causes:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder goes far beyond the initial cause of the stress, as it chemically alters the brain and its normal processes. Adrenaline is released when the body is afraid. Adrenaline can provide a great rush or "high" which is why millions of people visit amusement parks, skydive or base-jump every year. For those suffering with PTSD, however, the body over produces adrenaline making the victims unnecessarily jumpy, hyper-responsive and fearful. After the traumatic event, some researchers believe, the PTSD victims brain rewires itself and puts itself on end. Because of this extra adrenaline being pumped through their system Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder sufferers live in a constant state of fear and anxiety.

PTSD can be caused by a number of different physical or psychologically traumatic events such as: Severe auto accident, Fatal auto accident (survivor guilt), Abuse, Shell shock or war trauma, Sexual assault or abuse, Rape, Death of a loved one, Childhood neglect, Natural disaster

PTSD Treatment:

Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder depends largely on the victim's symptoms and the physician. There is a multitude of options to choose from, including psychological help such as counseling and therapy, as well as medications that can deal with any chemical problems. PTSD medications can have a wide variety of side effects and are only prescribed when completely necessary.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can cause serious personal problems, such as depression, medical issues, and suicidal thoughts. If you have experienced the symptoms listed in this article for a prolonged period of time contact a doctor immediately.

If your condition is the result of a severe or fatal auto accident contact an experienced personal injury attorney- the medical bills associated with PTSD can be extremely high and if another driver caused your complications you may be eligible for compensation.

About the Author

Jason Epstein is a partner at the Seattle and Bellevue based personal injury law firm Premier Law Group. As a Seattle injury lawyer, Washington auto accident attorney and Issaquah car crash lawyer, Jason has fought insurance companies for over 10 years. You can also get his books on Washington auto accidents for free by clicking on the preceding link.

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