Can You Suffer PTSD from a Car Accident?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that occurs after witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event. Being involved in a car accident can definitely cause PTSD, especially depending upon the severity of the accident.
PTSD symptoms are grouped into three categories:
Re-experiencing: triggering reminders of the accident
- Frightening thoughts
- Bad dreams
- Flashbacks
Avoidance: a change in routine, including no longer driving, as a result of the accident
- Trouble remembering aspects of the accident/event
- Losing interest in activities and an overall feeling of depression
- Staying away from places, events, or objects that remind one of the accident
Hyper-arousal – these symptoms are usually constant as opposed to being triggered. Similar to hyper-vigilance
- Constant feeling of being ‘on-edge’
- Easily startled
- Difficulty sleeping
- Angry outbursts
In some people, these event last for a short period of time and are referred to Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). In others, symptoms do not present for several weeks, but evolve and escalate into long-term PTSD. For accident victims and survivors, the sounds of tires screeching or breaking glass can send them into a tailspin when PTSD is present. Though it does not occur in everyone, it does happen and should be treated by a professional.