PTSD, Social Security Disability, and Applying for BenefitsPost traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is just as the name implies: a stress disorder that develops after a highly traumatic event, whether the event is physical or psychological. In the past it has also been called post-traumatic stress syndrome, war neurosis or shell shock and is an anxiety disorder due to trauma. While it is common that post traumatic stress disorder affects servicemen or servicewomen who have been exposed to combat, it is also common due to childhood abuse, physical violence, sexual assault or any other act that may be perceived as life-threatening and traumatic, such as a fire, earthquake, hurricane or another catastrophic event. Post traumatic stress disorder happens when the psyche has been shocked and traumatized so badly that it is unable to cope. This is unlike simple shock, depression or stress, in the fact that the body and brain chemistry actually change with post traumatic stress disorder. Those with the disorder usually show a high level of catecholamine and a low level of cortisol in their urine and a decrease in the volume of their hippocampus, a part of the frontal lobe of the brain that is also damaged during Alzheimer's disease. The criteria for post traumatic stress disorder is exposure to a traumatic event at some point in one's life, flashbacks or nightmares related to the event, extreme fear of the event reoccurring, being significantly impaired in normal daily activities, avoidance, feeling hyper (sleeplessness, anxiety, anger) and having these symptoms for more than one month. Treatment for post traumatic stress disorder can involve counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressant drugs, antipsychotic medications, or a combination of one or more of these treatments. Also, sometimes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps to reduce the effect of traumatic events. Post traumatic stress disorder is a real illness and treatment can help. Many people live very productive lives with a variation of treatments. Studies are still being done to find out if post traumatic stress disorder is also genetic. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related Body System Impairments: Can You qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI on the basis of anxiety or panic attacks? Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Filing for Disability Panic Attacks and Filing for Disability Anxiety Disorder, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits Anxiety Attacks and Filing for Disability Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI with Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder and Filing for Disability Social Security Disability SSI and ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Filing for Disability ADHD, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits Facts about ADHD and Filing for Disability OCD and Filing for Disability Alcoholism and Filing for Disability Bipolar disorder, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits PTSD, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits These pages answer some of the most basic questions for individuals who are considering filing a claim. Applying for SSI disability in Florida How much does a Florida disability lawyer cost? How Much Can You get in Social Security Disability in Florida? |
