Is PTSD in combat veterans a significant contributor in domestic violence?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops in a good number of people who may have experienced a shocking event in life. Naturally, human beings are bound to feel afraid when going through any traumatic situation. The sense of fear causes numerous split-second changes in the body in a bid to avoid danger. The “fight-or-flight” reaction is a typical response that is aimed at protecting a person from any harm. After any form of trauma, nearly everybody will go experience a wide range of reactions. However, most people do recover from the initial symptoms naturally. Those who fail to recover, and continue experiencing problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. Anyone having PTSD can feel frightened or stressed even when there is no danger.

Not every shocked person develops chronic or acute PTSD, and not every person with PTSD has been through a dangerous ordeal. Experiences such as the unexpected death of a family member or a friend may lead to the development of the disorder (Tara Haelle, 2017). Symptoms may show up early, even as early as three months after the horrific event, but in other cases, the symptoms may begin years afterward. For PTSD to be diagnosed, the symptoms must last for more than a month and prove to be severe enough to interfere with work or relationships. The course of illness may vary. A good number of people recover in six months while in other cases, the symptoms last much longer. The symptoms may include flashbacks, bad dreams, arousal and reactivity symptoms, frightening thoughts and much more.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an issue of concern for every human being. Like HIV, one can either be infected or affected. Anyone can develop the condition at any age. This includes children, war veterans, and persons who have been subjected to physical or sexual abuse, accident, abuse, or other serious events.  Statistics show that about 7 or 8 out of every 100 persons will experience PTSD in their lives (“How Common Is PTSD? – PTSD: National Center for PTSD”, 2017). Women have higher chances of developing the condition than their male counterparts. It is really interesting to note that some people end up developing PTSD after a family member or a friend faces harm or danger. It is also interesting to know why some people develop the disorder and other do not. Many factors determine whether a person will develop PTSD or not. Such factors entail: finding support after a horrific ordeal, development of a positive coping strategy, ability to respond in an effective way despite experiencing fear among others. Additionally, researchers are trying to find out whether genetics and neurology are among the contributing factors. More research might make it possible to predict any possible development of PTSD in anyone.

Survivors of trauma with PTSD may have issues with their close friends or family members. The symptoms may cause problems with trust, communication, closeness, as well as problem-solving. In turn, a loved one may be forced to respond to a PTSD victim in a way that may affect him or her. Due to a misunderstanding between a PTSD victim and his or her spouse, violence may suffice. Combat veterans are most affected by the disorder (“Veterans PTSD Statistics | Statistics: Depression, TBI and Suicide”, 2017). Furthermore, there is enough evidence to show the existence of rifts in the families of the veterans. Could there be a relationship between PTSD and domestic violence? The attempt is made in this piece of writing to show the connection between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and domestic violence.

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