Signs You Have PTSD From A Motor Vehicle Accident
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises after someone experiences or witnesses a terrifying event. One terrifying event that can cause someone to develop PTSD is a motor vehicle accident. Any type of auto accident can cause PTSD. However, the more serious an accident, the greater the chances of a victim developing post-traumatic stress disorder.
After an auto accident, you may find that you are focused on treating your physical injuries. Often, people do not give psychological trauma, including PTSD, enough attention. It is crucial that if you were involved in a Florida auto accident, you not only focus on treating your physical injuries. You should also treat your psychological injuries. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
What should I look for? You might be wondering. Below, we discuss some of the signs and symptoms you should look out for that could indicate you have PTSD.
Signs You Have PTSD From an Auto Accident
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, classifies post-traumatic stress disorder in the following clusters;
- Relieving the Event
- Avoidance
- Negative changes in feelings and beliefs
- Feeling keyed up/Hyper-arousal
Relieving the Event
Within the cluster “relieving the event,” the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual breaks down the symptoms of PTSD as follows;
- Having recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the motor vehicle accident
- Constantly having upsetting dreams or nightmares about the motor vehicle accident
- Having flashbacks of the accident
- Experiencing emotional distress when someone or something reminds you of the motor vehicle accident
- Experiencing physical reactions, such as increased heart rate, when someone or something reminds you of the accident
Avoidance
The following are some symptoms of avoidance;
- Avoiding thinking about or talking about the motor vehicle accident
- Avoiding people, activities, or places that remind you of the accident
Negative Changes in Feelings and Beliefs
After a motor vehicle accident, you may start having negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself and others, and symptoms may include the following;
- Feeling detached from family, friends, and other people
- A loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Memory issues, including forgetting important aspects of your accident
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions, such as love or happiness
- Feeling hopeless about the future
Hyper-Arousal
Hyper-arousal symptoms include the following;
- Experiencing trouble sleeping
- Being easily frightened or startled
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Being on guard for danger all the time
Seek Treatment as soon as Possible
If you are experiencing any symptoms you believe are symptoms of PTSD after an auto accident, see a doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible. Seeing a doctor or mental health professional without delay can prevent PTSD symptoms from worsening.
You Can Recover Compensation for Your PTSD
It is also vital for you to contact a qualified attorney if you are experiencing PTSD symptoms after a motor vehicle accident. If another party’s negligence caused your accident, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for your PTSD. A skilled attorney can ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you were in a Florida motor vehicle accident and are experiencing PTSD-like symptoms, contact our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm for legal help.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967#:~:text=Post%2Dtraumatic%20stress%20disorder%20(PTSD)%20is%20a%20mental%20health%20condition%20that%27s%20triggered%20by%20a%20terrifying%20event%20%E2%80%94%20either%20experiencing%20it%20or%20witnessing%20it