Medical Experiment May Predict Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, as “an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal.” People often link PTSD with military service; however, post traumatic stress disorder is also common after a jarring event like a car accident. A U.S. Surgeon Generals Report created in 1999 showed that 9% of people who were exposed to extreme trauma developed PTSD. Currently, the NIMH estimates 5.2 million suffer from the disease annually. Post traumatic stress disorder is on the rise.

 

The military hopes to curb the rising cases of PTSD through a series of medical experiments they are conducting. These experiments are testing U.S. soldiers on genetics, brain imaging, and stress exams before, during, and after deployment. Medical researchers hope a variation in these test results might lead to better understanding about who is at higher risk for developing PTSD. Currently, no medical evidence exists proving any pre-trauma factors definitively lead to the mental illness, however, the military hopes that by narrowing this down they may be able to better treat post traumatic stress disorder.

 

Post traumatic stress disorder is a serious medical condition that many car accidents victims find they suffer from after their accident. PTSD can be treated, but the repeat doctor visits and cost of prescription medication causes some people to leave the mental illness untreated. If you have feel you are suffering from PTSD as a result of your trauma, but do not have the money to afford treatment, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you get what you need to get back to wellness.

 

About the Editors: Shapiro & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have handled thousands of car and truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. In addition, check out our FREE special reports on distracted driving and The Best Guide to Car Accident injuries in Virginia. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) although our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at (833) 997-1774. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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