-
The Assessment Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Internally Displaced Persons
CHAPTER ONE -- [Total Page(s) 5]
Page 2 of 5
-
-
-
In addition to creating large numbers of immediate direct casualties in
combatants and civilians, these conflicts have the potential to
influence public and mental health outcomes in several ways (Davis,
Kuritsky,2002; Kalipeni, and Oppong,1998). The mental health effects of
armed conflict on civilians are enormous and can last a lifetime. One
major mental health effect of conflict is post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) Musisi, (2004). PTSD is an anxiety disorder which consists of a
syndrome that develops after a person sees, is involved in, or hears of
an extreme traumatic stressor. The person reacts to this experience
with fear and helplessness, persistently relieves the event, and tries
to avoid being reminded of it Association, (2013) and Hodes,(2000). The
disorder usually develops within weeks, months or even years after the
occurrence of the traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include
nightmares and flashbacks, insomnia, lack of concentration, and feelings
of isolation, irritability and guilt Obilom, Thacher,2008; Rehn,
Sirleaf,2002).
Prevalence of PTSD is about 8% in the general
population while lifetime prevalence rates range from 5-75% among high
risk groups whose members experienced traumatic events Steel, Chey,
Silove, Marnane, Bryant,2009; Kessler, Sonnega, Bromet, and Hughes,
(1995). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) Atlanta,
reported that about 30-70% of people who have lived in war zones suffer
from symptoms of PTSD and depression Prevention, (2014). Studies carried
out among offspring of Holocaust survivors revealed that there was a
higher prevalence of mental disorders such as mood, anxiety and
substance abuse disorders as well as PTSD among them than in the general
population of Jews who did not experience the holocaust (Yehuda, Bell,
Bierer, and Schmeidler, 2007). A study carried out among residents of
Jos, Nigeria some months after the first major ethno-religious riot in
2001 found a prevalence of PTSD symptoms of 41% Obilom, and Thatcher,
(2008). Lifetime PTSD prevalence rates are generally higher in
populations exposed to chronic conflicts or recurrent natural disasters
(Margoob, Sheikh, 2006; Yaswi, and Haque,2008).
Furthermore, events
that are threatening to life or bodily integrity will produce traumatic
stress in its victim. This is a normal, adaptive response of the mind
and body to protect the individual by preparing him to respond to the
threat by fighting or fleeing. If the fight or flight is successful, the
traumatic stress will usually be released or dissipated allowing the
victim to return to a normal level of functioning. PTSD develops: when
fight or flight is not possible; the threat persists over a long period
of time; and/or the threat is so extreme that the instinctive response
of the victim is to freeze. There is a mistaken assumption that anyone
experiencing a traumatic event will have PTSD. This is far from true.
Studies vary, but confirm that only a fraction of those facing trauma
will develop PTSD (Elliott 1997, Kulka et al 1990, Breslau et al 1991).
What distinguishes those who do not is still a hot topic of discussion,
but there are many clues. Factors mediating traumatic stress appear to
include: preparation for expected stress (when possible), successful
fight or flight responses, prior experience, internal resources, support
from family, community, and social networks, debriefing, emotional
release, and psychotherapy. PTSD is a relatively new diagnostic category
in the history of psychology. The diagnosis of PTSD first appeared in
1980 in the internationally accepted authority on PTSD, the DSM
(American Psychiatry Association, 1980). At that time the DSM had a
limited view of what could cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,
defining it as developing from an experience that anyone would find
traumatic, leaving no room for individual perception or experience of an
event. This definition was expanded when the DSM III was revised in
1987, and the DSM IV (APA, 1994) provides even broader criteria. Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder as presented in the DSM IV accepts that PTSD
develops in response to events that are threatening to life or bodily
integrity, witnessing threatening or deadly events, and hearing of
violence to or the unexpected or violent death of close associates.
Events that could qualify as traumatic, according to the DSM IV,
include: combat, sexual and physical assault, being held hostage or
imprisoned, terrorism, torture, natural and manmade disasters,
accidents, and receiving a diagnosis of a life threatening illness.
CHAPTER ONE -- [Total Page(s) 5]
Page 2 of 5
-
-
ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]This project was conducted in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, the assessment of Post Traumatic Disorder Among Internally Displaced Persons in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. This research was conducted to the benefit to humanity, chapter one covers the background of the study and it stated the problem of people that are internally displaced in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. Chapter two covers the review of relevant literature of Post traumat ... Continue reading---
