Every year, more than 1 percent of the US population is involved in serious motor accidents which are the leading cause of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Americans, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Every year, more than 1 percent of the US population is involved in serious motor accidents which are the leading cause of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Americans, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association (APA).
The study also shows that car accidents are the number one cause of trauma among men and second among women.
If these findings are not alarming enough, a government data shows that an average American will experience at least a minor accident before reaching the age of 30, making this one of the most serious safety issues the government needs to address immediately.
According to APA, these are some of the most common manifestations of PTSD caused by traffic accidents:
• Unreasonable nervousness and fear especially when riding or near cars
• Feeling of guilt
• Hypervigilance to threat
• Difficulty remembering things and poor concentration
• Lack of emotional responsiveness
• Extreme anger towards one’s self or other people
• Shock
• Denying that the accident really happened
• The accident keeps repeating on one’s mind
• Unreasonable irritability
• Recurring nightmares
• Trouble sleeping
• Sense of hopelessness
• Lack of interest in activities which used to be enjoyed by a person
While these emotions are common after a traumatic incident, a high level of PTSD can prevent sufferers from a creating social bond with other people, thus keeping them from living a normal life.
Sometimes, people involved in a serious car accident may not be aware that they are suffering from PSTD and other emotional injuries, thinking that negative emotions are common in any traumatic incidents.
However, serious cases of PTSD should be immediately addressed especially among children. According to several studies, almost 100 percent of children who saw their parents killed in an accident will experience PTSD; in some serious cases, they may even develop bipolar disorder, depression, phobia, and other similar condition.
Why PTSD is a serious problem?
In a study conducted by the National Co-Morbidity Survey, almost 40 percent of PTSD-sufferers between the ages of 15 and 54 are not receiving health treatment. What is more alarming is that majority of them will continue to suffer without receiving treatment within six years after the traumatic event; some would even have to endure their condition as long as 10 years.
