What Accident Victims Need To Know About PTSD

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition most associated with combat veterans, but can occur in anyone who has had a traumatic experience. According to the American Psychological Association, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of PTSD among the general population. In dangerous situations, the human body produces "fight or flight reactions, which subside when the danger has passed. With PTSD, these reactions continue after the traumatic event, often for very extended periods of time that could be months or years.

PTSD symptoms include increased stress levels, jumpiness and panic reactions. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) offers these specific criteria for diagnosis

INTRUSIVE FEELINGS AND MEMORIES

Frequent recurrent and involuntary memories of the accident that intrude on the person’s daily life
Nightmares or upsetting dreams about the event
Dissociative reactions such as flashbacks
Strong feelings of distress, including responses such as increased heart rate, after experiencing reminders of the trauma

AVOIDANCE

Intentional avoidance of thoughts and feelings about the accident
Avoidance of external reminders of the trauma, including certain people, places or situations

NEGATIVE CHANGES IN MOOD OR COGNITIVE ABILITY

Inability to remember details of the accident or later events (not related to head or brain injury)
Exaggerated negative beliefs about oneself or the world
Incessantly blaming oneself or others for the accident and/or the consequences
Constant negative emotions such as fear, anger, guilt or shame
Noticeably diminished interest in previous hobbies
Continuing inability to feel positive emotions such as happiness, love or joy
Feeling detached or alienated from others

CHANGES IN REACTIVITY

Aggressive or irritable behavior
Reckless or self-destructive behavior
Hypervigilance, feeling constantly guarded and fearful
Exaggerated startle response
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep problems such as insomnia, fitful sleep or nightmares

If you believe that you or a loved one in your care is suffering PTSD as a result of an accident, your first step should be to seek treatment with physicians and medical health professionals. Your next step should be contacting an experienced auto accident attorney. As with accidents resulting in property and bodily damages, psychological damages are a component of recovery in personal injury cases. As always, even though PTSD symptoms can be delayed in presenting themselves, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible and avoid talking to or entering into agreements with insurance companies before speaking with your attorney.

Accident recovery is complicated. For information or to set up a case consultation call us at (318) 352-1999