16 Jun CAN A VICTIM EXPERIENCE PTSD AFTER A SEVERE CAR ACCIDENT?
Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a condition most people think only happens to veterans who have been in wars or those who have experienced major life trauma. But it’s more common than you may think.
Defined by the Mayo Clinic as “a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing or witnessing it,” about 7-8% of the population will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. And during any given year, roughly 8 million adults have it.
While The American Psychiatric Association (APA) points out that it’s usually caused by traumatic events like combat, a terrorist act, or a natural disaster, these are by no means the only situations that can cause PTSD. In fact, there are a wide range of events that can lead to it, including a severe car accident. Being the victim of a major wreck can certainly create the same types of symptoms associated with this disorder.
“People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended,” the APA adds. They may also relive the car accident in their mind by having flashbacks or nightmares and experience profound fear, sadness, or anger. And something like a loud noise can trigger negative emotions that makes them feel like they’re back at the scene again.
Long story short, it’s definitely possible for a victim to experience PTSD after a severe car accident, and it happens quite often. The question is, what should you do if this has happened to you?
Making a full recovery is the goal here — something that usually requires professional help to achieve. Some common types of behavioral therapies used to overcome PTSD include:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CBT)
- Stress Inoculation Training (SIT)
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET)
- Present Centered Therapy (PCT)
Besides that, some people will receive medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which serve as antidepressants to help them get back on track. Others may even experiment with alternative medicine like acupuncture and meditation.
These treatments, however, aren’t free, and not all healthcare providers will cover them. If you’ve suffered PTSD after a severe car accident and need money to cover your treatment, it’s usually best to seek the legal services of a personal injury attorney. They’ll handle your case and work to secure the money needed to cover your expenses, as well as other damages such as car repairs and lost wages.
Get in touch with the legal experts at Gruenberg Kelly Della today. You can reach us by phone at 888-305-6372 or contact us through our online form.