PTSD affects individual, family, community Published Sept. 11, 2013 By Tanya R. Schimon 71st Medical Operations Squadron VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Post-traumatic stress disorder, a familiar term in the news, is the result of a direct exposure to a traumatic event. The event can be combat, an accident or personal injury, abuse, assault or a variety of disasters. PTSD's effects are widespread and can affect the individual, family and the community. According to the Stress Management for Service Members guide, the rate of individuals in the military suffering from PTSD ranges from 4 percent in non-combat, low-threat support positions to 70 percent in intense combat operations with loss of fellow soldiers. By comparison, approximately 8 percent of the general public suffers from the anxiety of PTSD. It is the individual's automatic and protective responses to a traumatic event the leads to PTSD. For adults, the responses can include intense fear, helplessness or horror. For children, the responses can be disorganized or agitated behavior. Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the traumatic event, persistent avoidance of factors related to the trauma and intense arousal symptoms. The sufferer may relive the traumatic event, feeling as if he is again in the situation, experiencing physiological responses like sweating, rapid breathing, rapid pulse and increased blood pressure. Avoidance symptoms can include becoming less involved with significant others and a sense of detachment. The sufferer may try to avoid thoughts, feelings, activities and people associated with the trauma. Intense arousal symptoms can include concentration problems, sleep issues, feeling unable to sit down and always being on the watch for danger. Other problems can include feelings of hopelessness, shame, guilt or despair, depression, substance use and abuse; chronic pain, employment difficulties and relationship issues. PTSD can develop at any age and is a nearly universal response to severe circumstances. Those most likely to develop the condition include the socially isolated and previous victims who felt helpless during the event, believing they were in extreme danger and might die. Young people who consume a lot of alcohol are more susceptible to PTSD. PTSD is most often reported by those who were in combat. The National Center for PTSD reports that 11 to 20 percent of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been affected. In addition, 10 percent of the Gulf War vets, as well as 30 percent of Vietnam veterans have experienced PTSD. The National Center also reports that incidents in the military associated with sexual trauma can lead to PTSD in both men and women. If you think you or somebody you know is suffering with PTSD, there are many sources of help. The Department of Veterans Affairs website features a PTSD questionnaire for self-assessment. Talk with your doctor, a mental health professional, a close friend, family member or your spiritual leader. Most commonly, a mental health professional will diagnose the disorder. A variety of treatments are now available for PTSD, ranging from behavior therapy to thought field therapy. The important thing is to know that help is available. Military members and their families can contact the Mental Health Clinic, 580-213-7419, at Vance Air Force Base.