Can post-traumatic stress disorder be prevented?
- 'Debriefing' is now offered more and more to military personnel after a conflict, to people affected by natural disasters, etc. It involves discussing the event, expressing emotions, and examining your reactions to the event soon after it is over. Further research is needed as it is not clear whether debriefing reduces your chance of developing long-term PTSD. Some people even feel that one session of 'debriefing' may do more harm than good.
- Therapy soon after the traumatic event. Some evidence suggests that a type of cognitive therapy started within 14 days of the trauma can reduce the chance of long-term symptoms of PTSD developing.
- A short course of medication such as diazepam (a benzodiazepine) or a betablocker taken immediately after a traumatic event may possibly help to prevent long-term symptoms of PTSD from developing. Further research is needed to clarify if any medicines help.
Further help and information
Support GroupsNational Phobics Society Zion Community Resource Centre, 339 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 4ZY Tel: 0870 122 2325 Web: www.phobics-society.org.uk A leading UK charity for anxiety disorders such as PTSD.
ASSIST (Assistance Support & Self-Help In Surviving Trauma) 11 Albert Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2RX Tel (Helpline): 01788 560800 Web: www.traumatic-stress.freeserve.co.uk A support organisation for people suffering from PTSD.
Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society (Combat Stress) Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 OBX Tel: 01372 841 600 Web: www.combatstress.org.uk Specialising in the welfare of ex-Service men and women from all ranks of HM Forces and the Merchant Navy who suffer from psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.
Specialist Referral Centres
Traumatic Stress ClinicWeb: www.traumaclinic.org.uk
Traumatic Stress CentreWeb: www.trauma999.co.uk.
© EMIS and PIP 2005 Updated: July 2005
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Estelle Fenton, over 2 years
Thank you for the interesting factual information! I found the information useful in terms of reassuring me that what i am going through at this time is indicative of a traumatic even i have experienced! I was seriously assaulted on 26th May 07. I took 6 weeks off work due to the facial injuries and went back to work before i moved house. I thought going back to work before i moved house would be more beneficial to me rather than going back to work after moving house ( i was afraid that i would not be able to return ro work after moving house!!!). I am now feeling that i am on the verge of a nervous breakdown! After returning to work i have had to endure further distress of being investigated by the Local Authority i work for! The scenario is worse than i could have ever imagined possible! I am now in trying to manage my sleepless nights, feelings of anxiety, and increasing isolation. I found the article helpful in terms of highlighting the exact symptoms of what i am experiencing. I've already had counselling, which i did not find helpful. I've been offered beta-blockers by the doc, which i refused because i don't like how they make me feel. I went back to the doc last week and he was as much use as a fart in a trance. It was an emergency appt and not my usual GP! he referred me to a CPN!!! I'm still waiting on this appt! The interesting thing for me is that the doc never even acknowledged any kind of PTS and condasendingly suggested that i needed to substitute my isolated situation with more positives! I wonder how much doctors know and acknowledge PTSD!?!? My visit to the GP was unfruitful. I was left feeling as though i was unreasonable to request some kind of anti-depressant. My GP stated that i had came with an agenda, despite my records indicating that i have have refused medication to opt for herbal / homeopathic remedies! My concern is about how GP's respond to this disorder and even if they recognise it! I hope my feedback has been useful and would welcome any communication from yourself Kind Regards Estelle
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