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The Assessment Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Internally Displaced Persons
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The
DSM IV adds, “The disorder may be especially severe or long lasting when
the stressor is of human design (e.g. terrorism, torture, rape) APA,
1994. Symptoms associated with PTSD include;
i) Re- experiencing the event in varying sensory forms such as flashbacks,
ii) Avoiding reminders associated with the trauma, and,
iii)
Chronic hyper arousal in the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). PTSD is
present when these symptoms last more than one month and are combined
with loss of function in areas such as job or social relationships. (APA
1994)
Recent events have focused the world’s attention on the
psychological effects of terrorism. Elevated rates of posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have been found in the aftermath of
major terrorist attacks in the United States (Galea, Ahern, Resnick,
Kilpatrick, Bucuvalas, Gold & Vlahov, 2002). These symptoms as noted
tend to subside with time (Silver, Holman, McIntosh, Poulin &
Gil-Rivas, 2002); DSM-IV-TR asserts that PTSD may be especially severe
or long lasting when the stressor is of human design (p. 464). It
further suggested that stressors occurring at aftermath of traumatic
events contribute to the occurrence of the disorder. Repeated act of
terror are associated with significant distress in affected communities
and thereby might interfere with the recovery from early PTSD symptoms
and lead to a higher incidence of PTSD.
Political violence and war
affect all sections of the country and it is not particular to any
ethnic group. Most recently, a post election violent conflict in
Northern Nigeria led to resettlement of internally displaced persons
(IDPs) in a camp in Kaduna, and Plateau state. In contrast to what she
had to go through with ethno religious crises, Plateau state provided a
safe place for some IDPs running from the boko haram terror in the
northeast. This study is set out to assessed prevalence and
socio-demographic factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) among IDPs. We also determined types of psycho-trauma
experienced by the IDPs and their psychosocial adjustment.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The
increasing spread of nefarious activities of the Boko Haram sect, ethno
religious conflict and natural disasters which has resulted to
destruction of lives and property is a serious issue that could not be
dismissed with a wave of hand. The activities of the Boko Haram group
caught the attention of international community following series of
violent attacks in Nigeria since July 2009. The attacks lead to massive
displacement of persons mostly from the northeastern Nigeria. Most of
the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) had to flee from the danger
zones to safer places (Jimmoh, 2011).
Consequently, it is commonly
observed during armed conflict and disasters that valuable properties
are destroyed and scores of deaths recorded. However, the mental state
of victims who are displaced due to attacks cannot be ascertain by mere
observation and as a result less attention has been paid to the
psychological wellbeing of the internally displace persons, often the
government is quick to supply relief materials to the IDPs spread across
mostly northern state such as Plateau state due it relative peace it
enjoys. Little is done to assess and rehabilitate the IDPs
Psychologically by the Government and other relevant bodies, there seems
to be lack of comprehensive information on IDPs’ psychological status,
situation which left many IDPs in a difficult position as they seek to
adjust in their host communities by suppressing the painful experiences.
This paper therefore, seeks to assess the PTDS among IDPs living in Jos
North Local Government of Plateau State Nigeria.
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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---
