What are the best treatments for Post traumatic stress disorder Research Paper

What are the best treatments for Post traumatic stress disorder - Research Paper Example The current prevalence of PTSD in the United States as presented by The National Comorbidity Survey Replication is approximately 6.8 percent in the adult population. The annual prevalence of the condition is 3.5 percent. It has also been assessed that the prevalence in females is twice as compared to that in males. PTSD is a condition which is linked with other comorbid psychiatric conditions like major depressive disorder, social phobia and bipolar disorder. The National Comorbidity Survey has also presented that secondary psychiatric conditions may also result due to PTSD which include mood disorders or indulgence in substance abuse. PTSD not only affects the mental functioning of an individual but it also tends to raise the risk of pathological conditions like congestive cardiac pathologies as well as hypertension, renal and hepatic disorders. (Ivanova 314). The main etiological factor for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is considered to be a traumatic encounter which affects the individual psychologically (Walsh 65). This leads to the development of the three main symptoms of the condition which include â€Å"terror, shame and helplessness.† (Krippner 11). It needs to be understood that not all individuals who are exposed to traumatic events develop PTSD. A study conducted to review the causes of PTSD revealed that traumatic experiences like sexual assault and physical abuse made an individual more prone to develop PTSD. But other factors like genetics, the personality of an individual, educational qualifications as well as social assistance also play a role and make certain individuals more susceptible whereas protect others from developing this condition (Ford 56). Psychological trauma can occur due to many reasons which include combat, accidents, sexual assault, physical and sexual abuse. In the year 2005, the Royal College of Psychiatrists explained that PTSD may occur due to various reasons. These included army combats, terrorist