Most people associate car accidents with head injuries and broken bones, but the emotional trauma that follows a serious collision can be just as devastating as the physical wounds. June is post-traumatic stress disorder awareness month, and it’s a good time to remind everyone about the symptoms and treatments for the disorder.
With auto accidents leading the way as the number one cause of PTSD in the United States, the following information is important to know, and to share with loved ones who have been involved in a serious accident.
First, you should know you may be able to recover compensation for medical care after suffering PTSD from a car accident by filing a personal injury claim.
Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Secondly, it’s important to recognize the symptoms following an accident. They include:
- Being afraid to drive or ride in a vehicle
- Reliving the accident through nightmares and flashbacks
- Placing irrational blame on yourself/feeling guilty about the accident
- Experiencing sleep problems or inability to concentrate
- Feeling persistent depression or hopelessness
- Being unable to remember details about the crash
In addition to these symptoms, there are risk factors that make a person more likely to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder. For example:
- Having mental health issues such as anxiety or depression
- Not having a support system at home
- Having a family history of mental health issues
Even if you do not have any risk factors of PTSD, you should still seek treatment if you notice any symptoms of PTSD after a car crash.
Treatment Options for PTSD after a Car Crash
If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, and your doctor has done a full medical evaluation, you may be prescribed a treatment plan that involves psychotherapy and/or medication. Psychotherapy for PTSD sufferers usually involves exposure therapy, which helps victims overcome irrational fears by confronting the root cause of the symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, will help PTSD sufferers identify and change negative thought patterns.
Doctors may also prescribe antianxiety medications and antidepressants to treat PTSD symptoms in the short-term.
York PA Injury Attorneys Can Seek Compensation for PTSD Victims
If you’ve been in a car crash and believe you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, reach out to our personal injury attorneys at the law offices of Dale E. Anstine right away. Our experienced team will discuss your options during a free consultation, and if you have a case, we’ll work to help you recover your lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses and compensation for pain and suffering that resulted from the accident.