PTSD After a Car Accident: Diagnosis and Treatment

A car accident victim can suffer different kinds of injuries, physical or otherwise – or both. Sometimes, the individual can suffer losses and sustain harm beyond what one can immediately observe. These psychological aftermaths remain long after the vehicle has been repaired, physical wounds have healed, and physical therapy is complete.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from a car accident is estimated to affect between two and seven million people in the United States. More so, there is an increased risk of psychological issues when one gets involved in a car accident, including PTSD.

Understanding and Identifying Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and its Symptoms

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is the development of certain characteristic symptoms that arise from exposure to a traumatic event. The symptoms can be prevented in varying manners, depending on the patient and the severity of the traumatic event. Some of the symptoms PTSD patients experience include:

• Distressing memories of the event that comes involuntarily are recurring and intrusive
• Disturbing and distressing dreams concerning the event
• Flashbacks of the event with different intensity levels
• Psychological distress occurs when cues that resemble or symbolize an aspect of the event show up
• Distress that results in social and occupational functioning impairment
• Changes in mood and cognition due to the event or thoughts of it
• Physical or psychological reactions to cues that remind them of the event
• Persistently avoiding stimuli, particularly those associated with the event

This list does not cover all PTSD symptoms, as others may be present. The effects of PTSD on the victim’s quality of life are such that they require timely help from a medical or psychological professional.

How Is Car-Accident-Related PTSD Diagnosed?

Only a certified and qualified medical or psychological professional can diagnose car-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Your family, friends, or lawyer cannot diagnose PTSD.

To diagnose this condition, a medical professional will screen patients for symptoms using widely utilized PTSD written scales or instruments. Then, they will conduct a structured and detailed interview with the patient. After this, the medical practitioner will rule out other causes that explain the patient’s symptoms from diagnosis.

How Is Car-Accident-Related PTSD Treated?

Studies show that most patients do not seek treatment for PTSD shortly after they are involved in a car accident. Considering the rate at which the effect of PTSD can affect an injured person’s everyday life, this is disturbing. As distressing as the condition can be, the good news is that there are treatments for it – just like any other injury.

Treatments for PTSD include Supportive Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which a qualified medical or psychological professional will conduct. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after a car accident is like the physical injuries sustained: it can be treated. Thus, if you, a loved one, or anyone you know has car-accident-related PTSD, you should seek professional help.

Conclusion

PTSD is not the only psychological pain after a car accident; there are others. Thus, if you were injured in a serious car accident, you should not discount the invisible psychological harms and losses you suffered. If left untreated, these psychological losses and injuries will likely continue long after your physical injuries have completely healed.

Furthermore, if you want to sue the at-fault driver for the psychological and physical harm and losses you suffered, you can. You may want to reach out to a car accident attorney who can help you get compensated adequately.

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