If one Googles “PTSD definition”, what pops up on your computer monitor is a long list of definitions and associated links. The definitions all describe variations of the same basic mental health issue … chronic stress reactions to some acute trauma, considered acute even if the trauma spans a few months or even a couple of years, such as military service. Of course, the term PTSD was first coined when describing the mental health issues faced by returning Viet Nam vets; however, mental health journals describes very similar issues with every group of returning soldiers throughout history.

Google Answers states:

After the Civil War, soldiers began experiencing “soldier’s heart,” with symptoms of startle responses, hyper-vigilance, and arrhythmias. During World War I “the effort syndrome” was added. This gave way to the familiar terms “shell shock” and “combat fatigue” during World War II.

The literature and the DSM-IV criteria assume the stress response is occurring after the exposure to the stressful event. That is why it is called POST TRAUMATIC stress response. So how does one identify and address a stress response that is characteristic of PTSD, with all the attendant signs and symptoms, when the sufferer is still living in the war zone? Can a soldier who is still witnessing his buddies being blown to bits be successfully treated for his mental health issues? I wonder!

Let’s start by examining the criteria that must be present in order to make the diagnosis of PTSD.

According to Psychiatry.healthse.com,

The DSM-IV definition for PTSD contains criteria for (a) the traumatic experience; (b) re-experiencing; (c) avoidance of associated stimuli and numbing; and (d) increased arousal. Duration of symptoms should be at least one month (e); and (f) distress or impairment in functioning is required (APA, 1994).

Most of the definitions have similar descriptions of what is required to make this diagnosis. One source simplifies it to re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyper-arousal. Most definitions also mention the numbing or emotional shutdown that co-exists with the hyperaroused state. It appears to be an all-or-nothing state of affairs.

Some evidence suggests there might be a biological component at play in determining who might develop PTSD and who does not. I don’t doubt this one bit … I have come to the conclusion that there is very little in our lives that is not affected, one way or the other, by our biology. But I have also met many, many parents who are severely traumatized from living with disturbed kids, and these parents had exemplary mental health before their emotionally disturbed child tipped the tables. In other words, I don't feel as if their biology was a huge determinant in the development of their current highly stressed state.

Much more coming on this … stay tuned!

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