“color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Verdana;”>This month marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorists’ attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. In addition to the tributes to the victims and heroes from 9/11, there have been a number of stories in the media about those who have suffered from anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. It’s easy to understand how survivors as well as the families and friends of those involved would be emotionally and psychologically affected by these tragic events.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #0d0d0d;”>The 9/11 events have brought significant attention to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is commonly called PTSD. People often use the term PTSD to describe their emotions after a stressful event; however, that is medically inaccurate. For PTSD to be diagnosed, a person must have experienced or witnessed an event that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury. Following the event, the person is unable to cope with the overwhelming symptoms that occur. In PTSD, the symptoms include having flashbacks of the event, intense fear, helplessness, anxiety, anger, insomnia, and avoiding people or situations. “color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #0d0d0d;”>In addition to the psychological and emotional symptoms of PTSD, there are associated changes in the brain as well as possible long-term health complications such as cardiovascular disease or recurrent infections. “color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #0d0d0d;”>Prior to 9/11, PTSD was most commonly associated with veterans, especially those who have served in combat. Because the diagnosis of PTSD among veterans is sometimes associated with financial or insurance benefits, there has been controversy about the impact of the disorder on a person’s health and ability to function. After 9/11, more civilians were diagnosed with PTSD and the awareness (and acceptance) of this condition among health professionals, policy makers, and the public has increased. Many are hopeful that this increased awareness will result in improved diagnosis, increased access to mental health services, and more research to study PTSD. “color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #0d0d0d;”>Currently PTSD and related conditions that may occur after traumatic events or prolonged exposure to trauma (such as domestic violence) often remain undiagnosed. There is also growing concern regarding the long-term effects of repeated exposure to violence and abuse, especially that experienced by children, which happens more often among people living in lower-income neighborhoods. “color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #0d0d0d;”>Children who live in poor neighborhoods are much more likely to experience or witness violence and abuse and African Americans have the highest rates of poverty in the country. Some researchers believe that the long-term health consequences of repeated exposures to violence and abuse can be as harmful, if not more harmful, as events like the 9/11 tragedies. “color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #0d0d0d;”>When you are exposed to a situation in which there is a real or perceived threat of harm, the body’s natural alarm system, often called the ‘fight or flight system’, is triggered. The adrenal glands release stress hormones, primarily cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar levels, which are all important during a suddenly stressful event; however, if the body is exposed to these hormones repeatedly and for long periods, it is damaging. “color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Verdana;”>
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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #0d0d0d;”>The long-term exposure to cortisol, adrenaline and other stress hormones can increase the risk of heart disease, depression, obesity, difficulty sleeping, diabetes and possibly some cancers. These hormones can also have a negative effect on the brain, which can result in memory impairment in adults and may cause developmental delays in children.
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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #0d0d0d;”>Additionally, PTSD and chronic stress are associated with alcohol and substance abuse, which have added short and long-term health consequences. “color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #0d0d0d;”>Treatment for PTSD and related disorders is individualized and can be effective in decreasing the emotional, psychological and physical symptoms of these conditions. Specialized treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and medications. For more information, talk to your health care provider or visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or call 314-962-4670.
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