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MAPA 2018 Fall CME

October 4 - 6, 2018

Cragun's Resort and Hotel on Gull Lake | Brainerd, MN 

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June PSA

PTSD Overview

It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger.

Not every traumatized person develops ongoing (chronic) or even short-term (acute) PTSD. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Some experiences, like the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one, can also cause PTSD. Symptoms usually begin early, within 3 months of the traumatic incident, but sometimes they begin years afterward as the course of the illness varies. Some people recover within 6 months, while others have symptoms that last much longer. Yet in some people, the condition becomes chronic.

To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all the following for at least 1 month:

Ø  At least one re-experiencing symptom such as flashbacks, bad dreams and frightening thoughts

Ø  At least one avoidance symptom such as staying away from places or events that are reminders of the traumatic event or avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the event

Ø  At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms such as being easily startled, feeling tense, having difficulty sleeping or having angry outbursts

Ø  At least two cognition and mood symptoms such as distorted feelings of guilt or blame, negative thoughts about oneself or the world or loss of interest in enjoyable activities

Physician Assistants or other Primary Care Provider can help locate a mental health professional with expertise in treating this condition. MAPA recommends the following resources for additional information:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/ptsd-overview/basics/what-is-ptsd.asp

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

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