Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Caused by Auto Accidents

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POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER CAUSED BY AUTO
ACCIDENTS
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WHAT IS POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER?

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can come
  about after a traumatic event that threatens your
  safety and makes you feel helpless. Its normal
  to feel frightened or anxious after distressing
  experiences, but if the feelings dont eventually
  fade away, its possible youre suffering from
  PTSD. When an experience feels particularly
  unpredictable and uncontrollable, the disorder is
  more likely to occur. A motor vehicle accident is
  a perfect example of this.

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MVA RESEARCH

• Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs) are currently
  being researched as a potential cause of PTSD. A
  MVA can also cause emotional distress,
  depression, and anxiety. Variables exist that
  have predictive value when determining who might
  experience PTSD after an MVA. The research on
  this topic allows clinicians to identify
  individuals at risk for long-term mental health
  problems after an accident.

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MVA PTSD VARIABLES

• Three sets of variables identify at-risk
  individuals
• Pre-accident variables Poor ability to cope with
  traumatic events, pre-accident mental health
  problems, and poor social support
• Accident-related variables Amount of physical
  injury and fear of dying, potential life-threat,
  and loss of significant others
• Post-accident variables Rate of physical
  recovery from injury, the level of social support
  from friends and family, and the level of active
  reengagement in both work and social activities

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PTSD SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• PTSD symptoms can arise suddenly and occur
  unpredictably. Everyone experiences PTSD
  differently, but there are three main types of
  symptoms
• Re-experiencing the traumatic event
• Avoiding reminders of the trauma
• Increased anxiety and emotional arousal

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RE-EXPERIENCING THE TRAUMATIC EVENT

• Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Feelings of intense distress when reminded of the
  trauma
• Intense physical reactions to reminders of the
  event

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AVOIDING REMINDERS OF THE TRAUMA

• Inability to remember important aspects of the
  trauma
• Avoidance of anything having to do with the
  trauma (driving, being in a car, etc.)
• Loss of interest in activities and life in
  general
• Feeling detached and emotionally numb
• Sense of a limited future

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INCREASED ANXIETY AND EMOTIONAL AROUSAL

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Irritability or outbursts of anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hypervigilance
• Feeling jumpy and easily startled

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MVA-RELATED PTSD TREATMENTS

• MVA-related PTSD is unique due to the increased
  likelihood of being injured or developing a
  chronic pain condition following the trauma. Due
  to this, people who have been injured dont
  consider psychological treatment. When
  psychological treatment isnt sought, PTSD
  symptoms linger. Options to recover include
  behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and
  medication.

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COMPENSATION FOR PTSD

• PTSD claims in connection with car accidents are
  not common, but they are not unheard of. It falls
  under damages, which determines the value of a
  car accident injury claim. The challenge is
  proving your claim and showing that you are
  receiving ongoing therapy to treat the PTSD.

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CONTACT US

• Barry Edson has successfully represented the
  General Toronto Area for over 30 years. Trusted
  by local clients, he has acted as counsel on
  thousands of personal injury, fatal accident, and
  disability claims. In the course of recovering
  millions of dollars in settlements, judgments,
  and disability payments for his clients, he has
  also established many important legal precedents.
• Your initial consultation with Edson Legal is
  always free and there is no pressure of further
  obligation.
• Website http//edsonlegal.com/
• Phone [phone]