The individuals who were affected by the tragic shooting yesterday at Fort Hood, Texas, now face what could be a long and hard road to recovery. The aftereffects of a traumatic event can cause long-term problems for both survivors and witnesses.
Many people develop what doctors call “acute stress disorder” after a terrifying event. This can occur even in people who only hear about danger or harm that a close friend or relative experienced.
People with acute stress disorder may feel numb or “in a daze.” They have intense feelings of fear, helplessness and horror. This can produce efforts to avoid thinking or talking about what happened. The sufferer also may avoid people or places that are reminders of what occurred.
Sometimes this response is delayed. Symptoms may not appear until a few days or even weeks after the event. An acute stress disorder may last from only a couple days up to a month. When the problem lasts for more than one month it is called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Other common signs of PTSD include memory loss, depression and anger. Everyone who suffers from PTSD continues to experience disturbing effects of the event. This often occurs in the form of recurrent dreams or nightmares.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, it is the nightmares that tend to be most disturbing to people with PTSD. In these dreams they may relive the event in a way that seems shockingly real.
Most people with PTSD also report having disturbed sleep. It can be very hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. This is known as “adjustment insomnia.” The lack of restful sleep can make feelings of anxiety, anger and depression even worse.
About half of people with PTSD get better within three months. For others it can be a lifelong problem.
A severe case of PTSD may need to be treated with intensive counseling by a trained therapist. Some forms of cognitive behavioral therapy may help you sleep better. One example is relaxation training. The short-term use of medications also may improve your sleep.
More Information
Common Signs of PTSD
AASM-Accredited Sleep Disorders Centers
Certified Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialists
Reviewed by S. Ijlal Babar, MD, FCCP
Updated November 6, 2009
