Reclaiming Desire by Andrew Goldstein

Author:Andrew Goldstein [Andrew Goldstein / Marianne Brandon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781605294933
Publisher: Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale
Published: 2004-02-26T16:00:00+00:00

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological reaction to a traumatic experience or event. It has been getting more attention in the United States because of the upsurge in cases after the 2001 terrorist attacks. More than 5.2 million Americans between ages 18 and 54 may suffer from PTSD.

Traditionally, PTSD has been associated with exposure to extreme trauma, such as military combat, natural disaster, or criminal assault. Now we know that whether or not a situation is traumatic depends on a number of variables specific not just to the incident but also to the person. For example, a woman’s trauma history, her coping mechanisms, her social support network—all of these factors help shape her perception of a particular experience or event. This is why incidents that seem mildly stressful to some people may be quite devastating to others.

Stressful but normal life events such as a death in the family or loss of a job can be upsetting enough to trigger PTSD symptoms in certain women. The disorder also can result from cumulative exposure to low-grade trauma. These days, doctors will consider a diagnosis of PTSD when the aftermath of a trauma interferes with a person’s normal level of functioning.

While PTSD symptoms generally appear within 3 months of a traumatic incident, they can have a delayed onset, showing up months or even years later. They include flashbacks or nightmares about the incident; attempts to ignore thoughts or feelings about the incident; emotional and physical numbness, including detachment from others; and physical and emotional agitation, characterized by irritability, angry outbursts, and difficulty falling or staying asleep. Even if a woman’s symptoms don’t lead to full-blown PTSD, they still can have a negative impact on her libido.

Amy’s story serves as an example of how perceived trauma can continue to influence a woman’s sex life, even if the incident occurred long ago.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.