Symptoms of PTSD Following a Houston Car Wreck
Feelings of terror and anxiety are common after being involved in a Houston car accident. During traumatic events, adrenaline pulses through the body to protect you and often masks several types of pain. You may have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder in addition to physical injuries after a crash.
Recent studies reveal that traffic accidents have become the leading contributors to PTSD in the United States, with nearly 10% of car accident victims reportedly suffering symptoms of PTSD. Accident victims in Houston should have a better understanding of this condition in order to ensure they obtain the medical help they need.
What Exactly Is PTSD?
PTSD is a severe mental health condition that can arise after a traumatic event. Soldiers often return from war with signs of PTSD, but other types of traumatic incents can contribute to PTSD, including a car crash. The most common signs of PTSD include:
- Extreme anxiety
- Heightened aggression
- Feeling afraid or helpless
- Nightmares
- Ongoing flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Avoiding people or situations that are reminders of the traumatic event
- Numbness or detachment from others, life
- Hallucinations
- Inability to recall the traumatic event
A doctor with an understanding of the condition and can identity symptoms can diagnose PTSD. In order to be considered PTSD, victims must have experienced these symptoms over the course of a month. It is normal to be concerned or worry after a car crash, but if the symptoms do not last more than a month, it is likely a condition called acute stress disorder. This condition is also serious but not as severe or long-term as PTSD.
Avoiding and Preventing PTSD after a Houston Auto Accident
People who have a prior history of trauma, psychological adjustment issues, lack social support, or with a family history of psychopathology are at greater risk of developing PTSD.
It may be impossible to completely prevent PTSD following a vehicle collision, but there are certain people with an increased likelihood of developing PTSD. Seeking professional help or talking to others after a traumatic accident can help prevent PTSD after an accident. Be sure to treat any anxiety or other health-related conditions.
PTSD Treatment
If a physician diagnoses you with PTSD, there are some options for treatment. The path to recovery prescribed by your doctor will vary depending on the severity of your PTSD. Certain sufferers require medication, while others undergo various types of therapy, such as psychotherapy, relational therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, or group therapy.
Car Crashes in Houston
In most cases, Texas car crash victims are injured by reckless or negligent drivers, and the responsible party can be made to cover the damages resulting from the collision. For over a decade, Connolly Law has helped car crash victims obtain the compensation they deserve. Our qualified Houston car crash attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected under the law. Contact our offices today at 877-CONNLAW to discuss your case today.
