Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe condition that may develop after a person is exposed to one or more traumatic events, serious injury, the threat of death or a death related experiences such as the loss of a close family member. It is also classified as a severe ANXIETY DISORDER. Most people who experience a traumatizing event will not develop PTSD. It is estimated that 10% of the population experiences PTSD and that women are more likely to experience PTSD than men.

Many people think of PTSD as a psychological event; however this is a major misconception. PTSD is a major NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL EVENT. There are three areas in the brain in which function may be altered from the traumatic event producing PTSD, the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. The amygdala is involved in the formation of memories, especially fear-related memories. The hippocampus is involved with the ability to place memories in the correct context of space and time along with the ability to recall memories. The prefrontal cortex is what processes and interprets the information from the hippocampus and amygdala so the individual will see emotionally the memories in the proper perspective.

HOW IS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) DIAGNOSED?

The easiest way to diagnose PTSD is with the history. There are a multitude of symptoms both Neurological and Psychological that can present with PTSD. The following criteria are usually stipulated to be diagnosed with PTSD: (1) Exposure to a traumatic event(s), (2) Persistent re-experiencing of the incident(s), (3) Persistence avoidance and emotional numbing, (4) Persistent symptoms of increased neurological and psychological arousal not present before, (5) Duration of symptoms for more than 1 month. (6) Significant impairment of daily living and function. The patient experiencing PTSD should also have a very complete and comprehensive Neurological Examination. Most patients do not receive a Neurological examination and this will decrease their success with therapy in many cases.

THE TREATMENT AND THE PROBLEM

The most accepted therapy for PTSD is psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy in conjunction with various medications. The problem with this approach to treatment of PTSD is twofold: (1) Most Psychologist has no formal training in Chiropractic Neurology to recognize the actual NEUROLOGICAL MALFUNCTION IN THE BRAIN. Dr. Daniel Amen states: “Psychologist and Psychiatrist are the only professionals that treat an organ system (i.e. Brain), without first examining the organ”. (2) Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) defies conventional psychotherapy and medications without properly addressing the NEUROLOGICAL MALFUNCTION.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS WEBPAGE then you have not responded well to traditional therapies for post traumatic stress disorder, your medications are causing you more “side effects” than they are helping with your PTSD, or a combination of both. You are more than likely looking for an alternative approach with faster and more long-lasting results.

WHAT TO DO

Go to the patient resource section of this website and fill out the “take self test” questionnaire. Then submit the test and I will personally call you and discuss your PTSD condition and case. OR Call today at 502-296-3581 and make an appointment with Dr. Furnish to find out how you can further improve your care and life from PTSD.

Most of all DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE. There is HOPE and Chiropractic Neurology restores hope in many cases where hope has been lost.