Running head: Mysteries of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Mysteries of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Madeline Lambert University of Texas at El Paso English 1311 Kim Millender

Mysteries of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Abstract The purpose of this literature review is to bring awareness to the community about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In this review the parts of the brain that PTSD is

associated with will be discussed, and who PTSD affects will also be brought to light. PTSD is a social and psychological disorder that stems from any traumatic, or life-threatening event. Many individuals have preconceived notions of PTSD and believe that PTSD makes any individual associated with it dangerous. It is important that the community be educated on the topic of PTSD, so that they may realize who PTSD really does affect and in what ways it affects them.

Mysteries of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder A Literature Review on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD, has become a frightening disorder amongst soldiers returning home from over seas. Although PTSD has been a prevalent issue for a long time, it has not been until recently that psychologists and doctors have taken a closer look at what exactly PTSD is. PTSD statistics have risen in the recent years due to the overflow of soldiers returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq. Currently there is no cure for PTSD, only ways for people to cope with it. This literature review will cover three questions: 1. What part of the brain does PTSD affect? 2. Are certain individuals more or less likely to get PTSD? 3. Why is it important to educate the community about PTSD? What part of the brain does PTSD affect? PTSD is a mental disorder that can also be viewed as a social disorder. Regardless, individuals who live with PTSD are affected by it everyday, every minute of their lives. According to psychologists today the areas of the brain most associated with PTSD are the Amygdala, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and the hippocampus (Newton, 2009). The amygdala controls how we feel and express our emotions. The vmPFC is a more complex

area in the brain which has to do with decision making processes, and the hippocampus involves memory. Philip Newton (2009) of the article The Anatomy of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder claims, Brain imaging studies of PTSD sufferers generally show two things; reduced activity in the vmPFC and increased activity in the amygdala. Unfortunately Newtons study did not discover how these imbalances happen. Scientists have discovered that the amygdala, the vmPFC, and hippocampus work together. In different environments they tell the individual how to act and react. According to

Mysteries of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Psychology Today In summary, the vmPFC inhibits the amygdala to keep fearful responses in check (Newton, 2009). Individuals with PTSD have a misfiring in one of these areas but it is unclear which. As a result of recent technology it has been made possible for Scientist like Phillip Newton to find where PTSD hides in the brain. Are certain individuals more or less likely to get PTSD?

In order to understand who develops PTSD it is first important to understand what PTSD is. Posttraumatic stress disorder is described as a psychological social disorder it is brought about by a traumatic or life-threatening experience. It is easy to associate PTSD with individuals in the military because of the situations they experience in war. Too often many individuals make the mistake of only associating PTSD with soldiers, while in reality PTSD is not limited to whom it can touch. Victims of rape, physical assault, and other traumatic experiences may develop PTSD and often do. According to The Nebraska Department of Veteran Affairs, An estimated 7.8 percent of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

Studies on PTSD show that women are twice as likely as men to present signs of PTSD. Unfortunately the studies showing that women are more likely to show signs of PTSD is hard to make as accurate. Most of the studies done were on individuals who already had PTSD. For example some studies show that men are more likely to abuse substances in order contain the

Mysteries of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms of PTSD. More than half of men with PTSD also have problems with alcohol (Nebraska Department of Veteran Affairs, 2007). The conclusions of the studies are difficult to prove as valid because it is easier to claim that women are more vulnerable than men. Why is it important to educate the community about PTSD? PTSD has often been misunderstood and misdiagnosed. According to the American Psychiatric Association individuals with PTSD are often alienated by society. If the community

understood PTSD a little better, it would be much more easier for individuals with the disorder to assimilate back into society. After all it is shown that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event needs treatment, some recover with the help of family, friends, or clergy (American Psychiatric Association, 2012). PTSD in often stereotyped in just soldiers, and these individuals are often seen as monsters and as having something wrong with them. There is more to the story that needs to be told. If there were community outreach programs maybe the community would understand that PSTD can happen to anyone. The government and many other organizations have began to acknowledge PTSD more and have even created its own awareness day. June 27 is National PTSD awareness day, June alone has been designated as a PTSD awareness month by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Conclusion Times are changing and technology is evolving. PTSD has become a popular subject and debate among many political figures seeing as the number and statistics has spiked even high in the last 5 years. As soldiers return home from Iraq and Afghanistan, it is the responsibility of the community to be understanding and welcoming. PTSD affects so many individuals across the United States, and finding ways to help these individuals cope should be a goal that the community most certainly should pursue.

Mysteries of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder References National PTSD Awareness Day (June 27, 2013). (2013, June 27). National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Retrieved December 5, 2013, from http://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/national-ptsd-awareness-day PTSD. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved December 5, 2013, from http://www.psychiatry.org/ptsd PTSD: National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Relationships and PTSD -. Retrieved December 5, 2013, from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/ptsd-and-relationships.asp Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (n.d.). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.ptsd.ne.gov/what-is-ptsd.html

The Anatomy of Posttraumtic Stress Disorder. (2009, January 29). Psychology Today. Retrieved November 20, 2013, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mouseman/200901/the-anatomy-posttraumaticstress-disorder