Ptsd

Post – Traumatic Stress Disorder

War is a complex concept that is increasingly difficult to understand, particularly in an age that allows for live images of combat to be beamed around the world. Many war films depict the brutalities of war and affects war has on participants, but it seems that these representations merely skim the surface of as to what is really going on. Unfortunately, the war experience for many soldiers is traumatizing and as a result many have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been a leading health problem among military personnel who have served in war, with heavy combat typically being cited as a leading cause of it. With the current Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), involving continued deployments to combat zones from all branches of the armed services, the rate of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome has risen steadily.

At a minimum, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a branch of emotion that stems from stress and anxiety. Stress is not uncommon among humans as it can be caused by something as simple as an argument. When we feel stressed, our body is attuned to exhibit the fight-or-flight response during which the body releases chemicals that make it tense, alert, and ready for action. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), however is a sector of stress that is very specialized for it occurs after traumatic events. Some events may include car accidents, earthquakes, rape, or military combat. People suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experience paranoia, flashbacks, and generally have difficulty engaging in normal daily activities. Research has shown the soldiers with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) exhibit significant changes in the make-up of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex which are parts of the brain that control learning, memory and stress as well as response to fear and stress.

In order to create a memory the brain releases chemicals...