Final answer:
Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a range of symptoms due to severe psychological trauma, with research highlighting risk factors and the need for comprehensive treatment approaches. Both veterans and civilians are affected, and understanding of PTSD has led to potential treatments that aim to manage and alleviate symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been shown to exhibit a range of symptoms and characteristics as a result of experiencing severe psychological trauma. Studies like those conducted by Kessler et al. (1995) have helped in understanding the prevalence and impact of PTSD among various populations. Further research by Koenen et al. (2003) and DiGrande et al. (2008) identified various risk factors for the development and course of PTSD, adding valuable information for potential treatments.
Research has indicated that PTSD can lead to severe anxiety, flashback memories, isolation, sleep disturbances, and a higher propensity for substance abuse as a form of self-medication. The impact of PTSD is far-reaching, affecting not only veterans from conflicts such as the Vietnam War and World War II but also civilians who have gone through traumatic events, such as the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Brewin et al. (2000) and Ozer et al. (2003) contributed meta-analyses of risk factors for PTSD, highlighting the complexity of predicting and managing this condition.
Treating PTSD is a multifaceted endeavor that demands comprehensive mental and physical healthcare. The understanding that recollections of the traumatic event can create a disability has opened up avenues for interventions targeting memory processing. The goal is to attenuate the distress associated with these memories, potentially leading to more effective management and alleviation of PTSD symptoms.