Everyone experiences stress. But post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe emotional reaction to a traumatic experience, such as a life-threatening event. If you or a loved one are suffering from PTSD, you may be able to claim compensation.
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
You can suffer from PTSD if you have been directly involved in a traumatic event, such as a car accident, or if you have witnessed a major incident, such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack.
In most cases the symptoms disappear in the days and the weeks following the event. But some people has such severe symptoms they find it difficult or impossible to lead a normal life.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
Symptoms of PTSD include the following:
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Reliving the event / flashbacks / nightmares and bad memories
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Avoiding being in that situation again (eg avoiding car travel) and refusing to discuss the experience
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Difficulty in forming close relationships
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Irritability or being made angry easily
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Guilt (especially if someone else has died)
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Problems concentrating or sleeping
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Sweating and shaking
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Severe depression, anxiety disorders or phobias
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Chronic illness- headaches, stomach upsets, dizziness, chest pain and general aches and pains, together with a weakened immune system.