Introduction
PTSD or posttraumatic stress disorder is a specific mental condition of a patient, which was provoked by a one-time or recurring strong external traumatic impact on the individual’s psyche. This adverse health condition can be caused by multiple reasons ranging from physical or sexual abuse to empathy to the sufferings of other people and so on. People experiencing the syndrome frequently undergo a variety of strong feelings that tend to be accumulated. The heightened anxiety that they experience is the result of the summoned memories of traumatic occurrences. Thus, health care specialists should address the complexity of the multi-faceted condition systematically.
In order to assess the contemporary perceptions of PTSD in terms of evidence-based medicine and practice, the peer-reviewed article Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by Bisson, Cosgrove, Lewis, and Roberts (2015) was reviewed and critically evaluated.
Summary
The authors claim that PTSD is a complicated mental condition in which the patient might experience physical sufferings as well. The patient has psychological attacks that evolve from facing the irritants. These irritants are often connected to the past memories of the individual that remind him or her of the traumatic event (Bisson et al., 2015). The intricacy of the disease is revealed in the fact that if the condition is not addressed sufficiently, the patient can develop adverse health complications.
According to the article results, patients tend to experience long-term nervous strain leading to insomnia or nightmares, and as a consequence of the unrest, such complications as cardiovascular, endocrine, or food disorders can emerge (Bisson et al., 2015). As per the research outcomes, “up to 3% of adults have PTSD at any one time” (Bisson et al., 2015, p. 1). However, due to the latency period, PTSD is rather difficult to diagnose to start the treatment immediately.
Article Critique
The authors of the article have conducted quite an extensive study. They have relied on the data from the latest meta-analyses of randomized trials (Bisson et al., 2015). However, they have focused on psychotherapy as the most functional means of treatment for PTSD patients. They argued that the syndrome could be eliminated with the help of a psychotherapist mainly (Bisson et al., 2015). However, many scientists point out that in complex or long-standing cases, a number of different medications and antidepressants can be appointed.
PTSD requires a holistic approach towards treatment due to the fact that the consequences of the syndrome can be both in the mental and physical deterioration of the patient.
The researchers have conducted a sufficient study on the health issue and supported their conclusions with the confirmed data. Nevertheless, they should have enhanced their conclusions related to medication through either statistical or research analysis to prove their point. The research article supported and broadened the existing perceptions on PTSD that is why I believe no follow-up is necessary. In general, the article was indeed informative, but it did not change my opinion on PTSD treatment since many of evidence-based studies have proved that the plan of care for such patients should be aimed at multimodality therapy.
Conclusion
PTSD is a complex condition that requires such intervention strategies that would accommodate each patient in the most effective way and allow reducing the negative consequences to the health status. Despite the fact that extensive research has been conducted on the issue, many people tend to experience the hidden post-traumatic syndrome. Thus, it is essential to raise awareness of the population regarding this illness and its consequences to ensure higher responsiveness.
Reference
Bisson, J., Cosgrove, S., Lewis, C., & Roberts, N. (2015). Post-traumatic stress disorder. BMJ, 351, 1-14. Web.