INTRODUCTION
In our post 9/11 society, the United States has been involved in international struggles for the majority of the 21st century. As a result, we've seen first hand our men and women suffer and return with battle wounds; some of the wounds are not visual. I found the idea of PTSD, which seems to carry a negative connotation of being weak, might enlighten us on what stresses on the mind and body can do over time. Although PTSD is most associated with veterans, they are not the only group that can suffer from this debilitating disorder.
WHAT IS PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing a life-threatening event, which may include combat (military), natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual abuse/assault in adult or childhood. Biological and psychological changes occur in the brain but can also include other disorders including but not limited to depression and substance abuse (Nebraska).
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was recognized in 1980 when the American Psychiatric Association (APA) added it to the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ("Post Traumatic Stress Disorder"). Prior to the medical definition and realization of PTSD, psychiatric disorders were viewed as a mentally weak instead of a trigger like a traumatic event. This was a significant change and is the “key to understanding the scientific basis and clinical expression of PTSD as related to the concept of trauma” ("PTSD History and Overview"). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will effect 7.8 percent of Americans some point in their lives, with women (10.4%) twice as likely as men (5%) to develop PTSD (Nebraska).
CAUSES & SYMPTOMS
PTSD is not a disorder that can be diagnosed instantly. Symptoms must be present for one month and interfere with home and/or work life. The diagnosis of PTSD comes comes from three different types of symptoms; these are re-experiencing symptoms, avoidance and numbing symptoms, and arousal symptoms. Re-experiencing symptoms include reliving the traumatic events, many describe it as having a flashback. Avoidance and numbing symptoms include avoiding places or situations that will trigger memories of traumatic events and ignoring feelings or emotions that surround the traumatic happenings. These involve a general avoidance of place, time, smells, sights, etc. Arousal Symptoms include being on high alert at all times. It's the general idea that they're anticipating something bad to happen (Nebraska).
ANTHROPOLOGY & PTSD
When exploring the illness that is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, it is important to focus not only on the medical aspect but the cultural and societal implications it can hold. Medical anthropologists focus on these aspects when doing research. Cecil Helman explained in her article “Why Anthropology Matters,” that medical anthropology is important because it provides a mediator “between health planners and bureaucracies on one side, and local communities on the other” ("Why Medical Anthropology Matters"). Medical anthropologists have the ability to include data, community and societal issues, experience and their academic background, which makes their research well rounded and progressive. These skills and backgrounds are extremely important for illnesses like PTSD to ensure that not only biological issues are focused on but cultural repercussions are addressed as well.
In our post 9/11 society, the United States has been involved in international struggles for the majority of the 21st century. As a result, we've seen first hand our men and women suffer and return with battle wounds; some of the wounds are not visual. I found the idea of PTSD, which seems to carry a negative connotation of being weak, might enlighten us on what stresses on the mind and body can do over time. Although PTSD is most associated with veterans, they are not the only group that can suffer from this debilitating disorder.
WHAT IS PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing a life-threatening event, which may include combat (military), natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual abuse/assault in adult or childhood. Biological and psychological changes occur in the brain but can also include other disorders including but not limited to depression and substance abuse (Nebraska).
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was recognized in 1980 when the American Psychiatric Association (APA) added it to the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ("Post Traumatic Stress Disorder"). Prior to the medical definition and realization of PTSD, psychiatric disorders were viewed as a mentally weak instead of a trigger like a traumatic event. This was a significant change and is the “key to understanding the scientific basis and clinical expression of PTSD as related to the concept of trauma” ("PTSD History and Overview"). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will effect 7.8 percent of Americans some point in their lives, with women (10.4%) twice as likely as men (5%) to develop PTSD (Nebraska).
CAUSES & SYMPTOMS
PTSD is not a disorder that can be diagnosed instantly. Symptoms must be present for one month and interfere with home and/or work life. The diagnosis of PTSD comes comes from three different types of symptoms; these are re-experiencing symptoms, avoidance and numbing symptoms, and arousal symptoms. Re-experiencing symptoms include reliving the traumatic events, many describe it as having a flashback. Avoidance and numbing symptoms include avoiding places or situations that will trigger memories of traumatic events and ignoring feelings or emotions that surround the traumatic happenings. These involve a general avoidance of place, time, smells, sights, etc. Arousal Symptoms include being on high alert at all times. It's the general idea that they're anticipating something bad to happen (Nebraska).
ANTHROPOLOGY & PTSD
When exploring the illness that is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, it is important to focus not only on the medical aspect but the cultural and societal implications it can hold. Medical anthropologists focus on these aspects when doing research. Cecil Helman explained in her article “Why Anthropology Matters,” that medical anthropology is important because it provides a mediator “between health planners and bureaucracies on one side, and local communities on the other” ("Why Medical Anthropology Matters"). Medical anthropologists have the ability to include data, community and societal issues, experience and their academic background, which makes their research well rounded and progressive. These skills and backgrounds are extremely important for illnesses like PTSD to ensure that not only biological issues are focused on but cultural repercussions are addressed as well.
REFERENCES
Friedman, Dr. Matthew J. "PTSD History and Overview." U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Accessed August 2, 2014. http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/PTSD-overview/ptsd-overview.asp.
Helman, Cecil. "Why Medical Anthropology Matters." Anthropology Today 22, no. 1 (2006): 3-4. February 1, 2006. Accessed August 4, 2014.
"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder." The Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs. January 1, 2007. Accessed July 31, 2014. http://www.ptsd.ne.gov/what-is-ptsd.html.
Friedman, Dr. Matthew J. "PTSD History and Overview." U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Accessed August 2, 2014. http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/PTSD-overview/ptsd-overview.asp.
Helman, Cecil. "Why Medical Anthropology Matters." Anthropology Today 22, no. 1 (2006): 3-4. February 1, 2006. Accessed August 4, 2014.
"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder." The Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs. January 1, 2007. Accessed July 31, 2014. http://www.ptsd.ne.gov/what-is-ptsd.html.