Personal Injury Law

PTSD - Genetic Link

By Steve Lombardi

Post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD has a genetic code that makes certain individuals more susceptible than others to stress related disorders.

Scientists have identified a gene with the genetic code that makes people more susceptible to PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.

Signs & Symptoms People with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. They may experience sleep problems, feel detached or numb, or be easily startled.

Treatment Effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with PTSD and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.

The NIMH or the National Institute of Mental Health has created a fact sheet that explains many aspects of PTSD.

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on May 15, 2008 (boomark / email).