Post-traumatic Stress Disorder caused by Car Accidents

Post-traumatic stress disorder affects many Canadians and studies have been conducted in an attempt to identify its causes and also, to better understand those suffering from this often disabling condition. Abused children, victims of assault and military veterans are among the most commonly impacted by PTSD. However, many Canadians would be surprised to learn that motor vehicle accidents often cause post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly for accident victims who were seriously injured or witnessed another person fatally or severely injured.

Frequent symptoms of PTSD are chronic anxiety and/or depression which can be so severe as to prevent a person from performing their job or coping with life in general. The Mayo Clinic cites events involving actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violation as being common causes of PTSD. We're all familiar with PTSD in military personnel who have been exposed to the trauma of catastrophic injuries as well as the death of fellow soldiers in battle. In the civilian population, researchers are targeting motor vehicle accidents as a major contributor to the increasing number of Canadians diagnosed with PTSD.

Studies have found that approximately 60% of motor vehicle accident survivors who seek help from a mental health professional suffer PTSD symptoms. Many of those injured are diagnosed with major depression. In an attempt to further understand how and why PTSD impacts specific patients, certain variables were established. One of the variables was the mental health condition of the person seeking post-accident mental health treatment. The study found that individuals with a history of not being able to cope with prior traumatic events in life as well those who had sought mental health treatment prior to a motor vehicle accident were both linked with a likelihood to be diagnosed with PTSD. Also, the severity of one's injuries and the loss of a loved one in an accident greatly contributed to the chance of developing PTSD.

Solutions and Treatments

On the positive side, certain factors that might be within a person's control were cited as helping prevent or lessen the effects of PTSD. Those who were active in their own physical rehabilitation, had the daily support of family and friends, and were able to swiftly return to work were found to aid in mental health recovery. The sooner one could return to as near as possible the pre-accident lifestyle, the more positive were their mental health outcomes.

It is extremely important to seek a diagnosis from a mental health professional as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident. Studies have found that half of those experiencing PTSD who seek treatment for their physical injuries only and neglect their mental health are more likely to experience symptoms of PTSD for more than six months. Treatments for PTSD include behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy, and medications.

If you or a loved one suffered physical injuries in a motor vehicle accident, talk to your family physician or another health care professional about any psychological or behavioural symptoms that you are experiencing. Your physician can advise you on treatment and/or recommend a health care professional to help in your recovery.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological injury that can affect the life of person as much as or sometimes even more than physical injuries. With a diagnosis of PTSD resulting from a motor vehicle accident resulting from a negligent driver, the injured person is eligible for injury compensation for any losses they experienced and which prevent them from returning to a normal life.  Losses may include a loss of income if someone is unable to return to work, medical and rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering.

At Injury Lawyers of Ontario, we have helped many accident victims who suffered from PTSD get the compensation they deserve.  Call ILO today to find out about your legal rights for claiming damages for your injury.

Sources: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/trauma/other/traumatic-stress-vehicle-accidents.asp

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/basics/causes/con-20022540