Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that may develop after an event that results in psychological trauma, such as a threat of death, a threat to physical, sexual, or psychological integrity, a near-death experience, etc.

The trauma preceding PTSD overwhelms the person's ability to cope in a normal manner.

Diagnostic symptoms include re-experiencing the original trauma through flashbacks or nightmares; avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma; difficulty falling or staying asleep; anger; and hypervigilance.  symptoms would last more than one month and would cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

PTSD is believed to be caused by either physical trauma or psychological trauma, and frequently a combination of both.  Possible sources of trauma include experiencing or witnessing childhood or adult physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

In addition, experiencing or witnessing an event perceived as life-threatening such as physical assault, adult experiences of sexual assault, accidents, drug addiction, illnesses, medical complications, or employment in occupations exposed to war (such as soldiers) or disaster (such as emergency service workers).

Treatment for PTSD

Treatment for PTSD usually involves psychotherapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.  Relaxation therapy is also helpful to reduce and cope with residual anxiety.

A variety of medications have been applied to the disorder, including mood stabilizers, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotics.

Many PTSD medications list possible dependence (addiction) as one of the side effects.

Many of the medications prescribed for PTSD have the potential for creating a secondary condition of substance abuse or substance dependence.  Some long-term users of PTSD medications report that they felt compelled to take other prescription drugs and even illegal drugs to enhance the waning effects of their medication over time.  Other users reported a transition to illegal drugs with similar effects when the PTSD was withdrawn.

Dual Diagnosis/Co-Occurring Disorder

PTSD often occurs together with substance abuse and substance dependence disorders.  Often the substance use is the result of an attempt to "self-medicate" but just as often substance dependence is the primary disorder with PTSD being secondary.  In either case, both disorders must be treated simultaneously to achieve an effective outcome.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear in social situations, causing distress and impaired ability to function in daily life.

Social anxiety disorder is a potentially disabling disorder, but can be controlled and successfully treated.

Physical symptoms often accompanying social anxiety disorder include excessive blushing, sweating (hyperhidrosis), trembling, palpitations, nausea, and stammering.  Panic attacks may also occur under intense fear and discomfort.

An early diagnosis may help minimize the symptoms and the development of additional problems such as depression.

Social anxiety disorder often occurs alongside low self-esteem and clinical depression, due to lack of personal relationships and long periods of isolation from avoiding social situations.  An early diagnosis may help minimize the symptoms and the development of additional problems.

Substance Abuse and Social Anxiety Disorder

People with social anxiety disorder may use alcohol or other drugs to attempt to reduce their anxiety and alleviate depression, which can lead to substance abuse.  It is estimated that one-fifth of patients with social anxiety disorder also suffer from alcohol dependence

In addition, many who "self-medicate" an undiagnosed social anxiety disorder may not seek the professional help they need.  Because of this many people suffering from social anxiety disorder are only diagnosed after they seek treatment for their substance abuse or substance dependence problems.

Dual Diagnosis/Co-Occurring Disorder

Social anxiety disorder often occurs together with substance abuse and substance dependence disorders.  Often the substance use is the result of an attempt to "self-medicate" but just as often substance dependence is the primary disorder with social anxiety disorder being secondary.  In either case, both disorders must be treated simultaneously to achieve an effective outcome.