Most Americans associate post-traumatic stress disorder with military action, but this serious psychological condition can affect anyone who has endured a stressful event. PTSD affects nearly 9 percent of all car accident survivors, according to the National Center for PTSD. That means at least 270,000 new cases of PTSD happen each year in the United States due to crashes.
If you were injured by a reckless or negligent driver, contact the Truman Law Firm P.C. Ronald W. Truman is a personal-injury lawyer in Utah who can guide you through the claims process and help you avoid mistakes, such as accepting a low settlement offer.
Mr. Truman has been practicing law for more than 25 years, and he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class from Brigham Young University. Call 435-986-2222 to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Symptoms Indicate PTSD?
Although each case of PTSD is unique, there are a few symptoms that many PTSD sufferers share. These include:
- Repetitive nightmares about the traumatic event;
- Frequent mood swings;
- Problems sleeping or focusing;
- And avoiding people and situations that remind them of the trauma.
Most victims of accident-related PTSD experience one or all of these symptoms. However, this is not a complete list. Other signs include:
- Amnesia related to the event;
- Irrational anger;
- Blaming others for the accident;
- Impulsive behavior;
- And an inability to be mentally or emotionally positive.
Is Car Accident-Related PTSD Treatable?
Many accident victims only treat their physical injuries and ignore the emotional distress. If left untreated, the symptoms of PTSD are more likely to last longer than six months.
If you notice the signs of PTSD after a crash, you should discuss them with your doctor. He or she may refer you to a specialist or suggest that you join a PTSD support group.
Treating PTSD with Psychotherapy and Medications
Accident victims with severe symptoms of depression or anxiety may benefit from taking antidepressants. These can help you relax, sleep better, and concentrate.
Antianxiety medications are ideal for short-term treatment, but due to their potential for addiction, they are not recommended for long-term use. For this reason, your doctor may want to try other options first, such as exposure therapy, which involves confronting the cause of your PTSD.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be effective for patients with PTSD. CBT teaches accident victims to identify how and why they perceive normal situations irrationally and negatively, which helps them manage the symptoms. If you know what triggers your PTSD and what to expect, then you will be better prepared to prevent the anxiety that PTSD can cause.
If you were injured in a crash and you notice the symptoms of PTSD, contact the Truman Law Firm. Mr. Truman is a Utah accident attorney who can handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovery. He has the highest legal rating offered by Martindale-Hubbell. Call 435-986-2222 to schedule a free initial consultation.
