June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day
June 15, 2011- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for PTSD is sponsoring PTSD Awareness Day on June 27.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in any individual who has survived a traumatic event. Over the course of their lifetimes, 10% of women and 5% of men will experience symptoms of PTSD.
One-third of people exposed to trauma develop PTSD. Men report higher incidences of trauma, but women are more likely to develop PTSD if exposed to trauma.
Symptoms of PTSD include re-living or re-experiencing an event, avoiding situations that remind a person of an event, feeling numb, and feeling anxious.
PTSD and Substance Abuse
Every individual seeking treatment for substance abuse, even those not showing symptoms of PTSD, should be asked about past trauma.
There is some evidence that patients with PTSD fare worse in traditional substance abuse treatment than patients with other types of co-occurring disorders. PTSD does not go away with abstinence from substances. In fact, symptoms are widely reported to become worse with initial abstinence.
Get Involved
The National Center for PTSD is seeking assistance from the community in raising awareness about PTSD. Visit their website for 10 ways you can get involved with PTSD Awareness Day.
