Recovering From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After a Car Crash
Being involved in a vehicle collision can be a terrifying experience, and victims of these crashes sometimes suffer from psychological ailments, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder that occurs due to a traumatic or stressful incident. Essentially, the victim’s mind is unable to turn off the fear response associated with the trauma he has suffered. People dealing with anxiety disorders and depression are more likely to suffer from PTSD, and women tend to develop the disorder more often than men do.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 9% of vehicle accident survivors develop PTSD. If you experience any of the following symptoms lasting over a month or beginning more than three months after the collision, you may be experiencing PTSD:
- Insomnia.
- Irritability.
- Depression.
- Panic attacks.
- Emotional outbursts.
- Loss of concentration.
- Obsessing over the collision.
- Inability to remember the collision.
- Routine flashbacks from the accident.
- Loss of interest in favorite activities.
- Stress or anxiety when remembering the collision.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you need to pursue help for emotional and psychological damage, along with compensation for your physical injuries. If you have symptoms of PTSD due to your vehicle accident, you should consult your doctor immediately. PTSD may be treated with medication, cognitive therapy, or behavior modification. The disorder may improve with six to twelve weeks of treatment, but often longer courses of therapy are needed.
You Need an Attorney
Vehicle collision victims suffering from PTSD may have difficulty returning to the life they previously enjoyed. Post-traumatic stress disorder can impact a vehicle accident victim’s personal relationships, employment opportunities, and daily life in general. If you’re suffering from PTSD due to a collision, you should seek medical treatment immediately. You also need to consult a qualified attorney, who can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.