A car accident victim may suffer losses and harm that surpasses what is immediately noticeable. Sometimes, after the guilty party pays the compensation, the fracture heals, and you complete the therapy, the unseen psychological pains remain. About seven million US residents have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Those involved in a devastating car mishap are likelier to have psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. This article explains PTSD in a vehicle accident scenario. Alternatively, speaking to attorney Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm can also help during trying times.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is the development of some defined symptoms after exposure to a traumatic incident, like a fatal car crash. The symptoms differ from one patient to the other. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, highlights the symptoms that some PTSD patients experience.
They include:
- Troubling dreams relating to the ugly occurrence
- Involuntary, recurrent, and uncontrollable distressing recall of the incident
- Alterations in mood and cognition related to the incident
- Distress leading to occupational and social functioning impairment
- Alterations in reactivity and arousal associated with the occurrence, like lack of concentration, irritable attributes, and sleep disturbances
- Flashbacks with differing levels of intensity
- Constant avoidance of stimuli associated with the happening
- Physical or psychological reactions to cues resembling or symbolizing a part of the incident
- Psychological distress triggered by the symbolism of an aspect of the incident
The list is inexhaustible because some patients may experience other symptoms. A person with PTSD should seek prompt medical attention from a professional because it can significantly impair the quality of their life. Psychological issues from a serious vehicle accident can alter one’s entire life.
Diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Book an appointment with a qualified medical or psychological professional to know if you have PTSD. It is not in the place of a friend, family member, or attorney to diagnose you with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Medical and psychological professionals have standard scales and PTSD written tools they use in screening patients for PTSD symptoms. After that, they will conduct an extensive, well-structured, result-oriented interview. The professional will strike out other reasons explaining the symptoms the patient is suffering to arrive at a reliable diagnosis.
Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
According to scientific literature, many patients do not seek treatment for PTSD immediately after their car crash. This reluctance is baffling when one reflects on the consequences of PTSD on a victim’s everyday life. There are treatments for psychological harms such as post-traumatic stress disorder, like every other ailment.
The common treatments for PTSD include Supportive Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Since we have successfully established that medical professionals can treat psychological losses and harms like physical injuries, you should never sit back and watch your condition deteriorate. Do not assume, “this is how I will manage the situation till death.”
Things can improve if you take proactive steps and contact the appropriate professionals.
Car Wreck Lawyers Knowledgeable about PTSD
Apart from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a car mishap often comes with other psychological challenges. Hence, if you have injuries in a devastating car crash, do not downplay the invisible psychological losses and harms you experienced. These harms may stubbornly remain long after physical injuries have gone.
So, what do you do?
You need an attorney with a proven track record to represent you. They can help you claim your damages while you focus on recovery. An attorney can seriously boost your chances of success and getting a favorable outcome for a given case.
Conclusion
Car accidents can lead to lasting psychological effects like PTSD, which often remain after physical injuries heal. Seeking timely medical and psychological care is crucial, as is consulting a knowledgeable attorney. With legal and professional support, victims can navigate their recovery journey, addressing both visible and invisible injuries to reclaim their quality of life.