Pennsylvania residents can experience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after witnessing or going through a traumatic event. Common among soldiers, PTSD can also affect you if you saw a violent crime or went through cancer treatments.
This mental disorder can qualify you for Social Security Disability.
Co-occurring impairments with PTSD
The Social Security Administration recognizes that often PTSD does not occur by itself. Many other mental disorders can occur at the same time further causing problems. You may experience dementia, personality disorders, dysthymia, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders or major affective disorders.
A cited document to the US Department of Veteran Affairs mentions that other health conditions may relate to PTSD. The studies do show some evidence for musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders common with PTSD patients.
PTSD facts and treatments
PTSD is a medical condition listed under 12.15 and 112.15 in the SSA disability bluebook. If you experience PTSD, there are many signs to look for. The most common ones include negative thoughts, flashbacks, distorted feelings, angry outbursts, difficulty sleeping and avoiding anything relating to the traumatic event.
Children can experience PTSD with girls experiencing it more often than boys. Women tend to experience the disorder at a higher rate than men as well. Your symptoms may take years to show up after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event.
Your symptoms can disrupt your life from one month to the rest of your life. Depending on the reason for the onset of PTSD, you may experience an intensity of symptoms due to other life stressors. There are some treatment options available including psychotherapy and antidepressants that can help control or relieve symptoms.
