# Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how you can support?

> Did you know that poeple with PostTraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD are more likely to develop dementia is a psychiatric condition that affects people

Source: https://helper-support.fivegoodfriends.com.au/en_us/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-SJQfEoC9

Last updated: 2024-03-12T06:29:17.578Z

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Did you know that people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are more likely to develop dementia?  is a psychiatric condition that affects people who have experienced or been exposed to traumatic events.

## The types of PTSD

### After being caused by a traumatic event, PTSD has three major symptom clusters:

1.  Intrusion symptoms, such as nightmares and severe upsetting memories
2.  Avoidance symptoms, which causes the person to spend a significant amount of mental energy trying not to remember, which includes avoiding conversation about the topic
3.  Hyperarousal symptoms, which cause the person to become anxious and on-edge 
4.  Circumstances in the civilian world, such as living in an abusive environment or being involved in a car accident, can cause people to develop PTSD, but it is particularly common among military veterans.

## How do you support a person with PTSD?

No matter their background, each person’s condition is different, and they should be treated as a whole person requiring individualised care.

In the past, PTSD was known by other names such as shell shock, and it was unfortunately not treated with the seriousness it deserves. 

Those who experienced PTSD were discouraged from talking about it, and even considered cowardly for doing so. Thankfully there is now greater awareness, and it is estimated that 10-20% of veterans who have experienced combat will develop chronic PTSD. 

Research out of the US has also found that on average, veterans suffering from PTSD had twice the risk of developing dementia than those without PTSD.

When caring for Members with PTSD and dementia, it is important to be informed about and respectful of their condition. 

## Our PTSD and Dementia Course

The Five Good Friends PTSD video course explains what PTSD and dementia are, possible symptoms, and how to identify and support a person’s behaviour effectively if they have PTSD and dementia.

Course Name: **Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Dementia**

Enrol: [**here**](https://fivegoodfriends.learnupon.com/catalog/courses/1152351)

Duration: **20 minutes**

Level: **Introductory level**

Who should do the course: **All Helpers providing aged care support and/or NDIS Members who has suffered trauma.**