10 Things Everyone Should Know About Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder used to be called ‘shell shock'. The condition was first recognised in soldiers returning from WW2 who had gone through shocking and overwhelming experiences at war.

Many of these soldiers had strong feelings of grief, anxiety and anger which wouldn't go away, had flashbacks of horrific scenes and felt compelled to avoid anything associated with their traumatic experiences.

Since then, similar symptoms have been recorded in people who have never seen a battlefield, but who have nevertheless been through traumatic times, and doctors now know to look out for signs of ‘post traumatic stress disorder' - a severe, ongoing reaction to a psychological trauma.

Here are ten things many people don't realise about post traumatic stress disorder. (PTSD)

1. The National Health Service now treats an estimated 220,000 people every year for PTSD

2. PTSD can be a devastating psychological illness, which can affect every part of a person's life, including, work, friends and family

3. PTSD symptoms can include persistent flashbacks, nightmares, trouble sleeping and muscle tension as well as ongoing feelings of guilt, anger, depression and heightened anxiety

4. You are more likely to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder if you work in certain profession which are more exposed to traumatic scenes and experiences, such as paramedics, members of the police force, military personnel or fire fighters

5. Medication rarely cures PTSD, but is often used alongside counselling, which can involve discussion of memories and feelings about the trauma, to relieve symptoms

6. Group psychotherapy is often used in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder, and is considered by some experts to be the most beneficial kind of treatment for military personnel and veterans

7. PTSD can be caused by a range of different incidents, including car accidents, violent assault, being taken hostage, military combat, natural or man-made disasters and terrorist attacks

8. Two people could witness the same horrifying event at the same time, one of whom could show no signs of psychological trauma while the other goes on to suffer from full-blown PTSD

9. People suffering from PTSD may be able to make a claim for compensation, which could help with difficulties such as financial concerns due to loss of work

10. In the past, courts were reluctant to award compensation for sufferers of PTSD. However, as awareness increases, more and more successful PTSD claims are being made

Many people suffer with post traumatic stress disorder without realising they have the condition, but psychotherapy and some medicines may be able to help. If you think you may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, you should visit your doctor straight away to assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis.

If your PTSD was caused at work or was someone else's fault, you may be able to make a successful claim for PTSD compensation.

Compensation amounts for PTSD claims vary greatly but the money could potentially help with lost earnings and the cost of your PTSD treatment. Seak to an expert today to find out if you could make a PTSD claim.