Signs of post-traumatic stress disorder after a serious injury

When Texas workers are seriously injured on the job, they may deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is particularly true for those in high threat environments. Fortunately, according to FindLaw, if the injury is work related and the worker suffers from extreme stress and anxiety and it affects the ability to do the job and earn money, it may be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim.

PTSD is more than average anxiety or stress. The American Psychiatric Association states women are more likely than men to have PTSD and that one in 11 people in the United States will deal with PTSD at some point in their lifetime. Those with this condition may have intense flashbacks or memories about the event and may feel anger, sadness, fear, detachment or estrangement from other people.

The symptoms of PTSD fall into four different categories. These include the following:

• Intrusive thoughts: involuntary, repeated memories, flashbacks, distressing vivid dreams of the event
• Avoiding reminders: avoiding places, people, objects, situations and activities that are reminders of the event
• Negative feelings and thoughts: distorted, ongoing beliefs about others or oneself, ongoing horror, fear, shame or guilt, detachment from previously enjoyed activities
• Arousal and reactive symptoms: angry outbursts, irritability, reckless behavior, self-destructive behavior, problems with sleeping or concentrating

Those who survive a traumatic event may also develop acute stress disorder with very similar symptoms. Those with acute stress disorder have symptoms anywhere from three days to one month after the injury or event, while PTSD goes on longer.

Any individual who has been injured at a work-related event may develop PTSD over time. After an injury or traumatic event, a worker may want to speak to any attorney about a workers’ compensation claim, as symptoms may not come until later.