In a state where fatal traffic accidents have recently hit a ten-year high high just a couple years ago, it’s easy to see how this can cause anxiety for drivers on the local roads who haven’t even been involved in an accident, let alone those who have been traumatized by a recent traffic accident. Most health experts believe that it is common for traffic accident victims to have high-stress levels even months after the event. It is essential for accident victims to pay close attention to the emotional impact of the traumatic experience (the traffic crash). In addition to seeking the services of injury lawyers in Las Vegas, Vegas car accident victims need to pay close attention to signs of emotional distress and seek help from reputable mental health experts.
Here are some of the common emotional impacts associated with traffic accidents.
Heightened anxiety
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 44 million American adults are battling with some form of anxiety disorder. This number includes individuals who have previously experienced a traumatic event like a car crash.
Most psychiatric disorders fall under this category, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, certain phobias, and separation anxiety. Accumulating scientific evidence has linked irritable bowel syndrome with heightened anxiety.
Changes in personality and behavior
After an auto accident, victims might experience changes in their overall behavior and personality. Some of them exhibit symptoms of various types of disorders. For example, some victims of auto accident exhibit delusions. That means they might believe that something is true even when presented with evidence that confirms otherwise.
Delirium, hallucinations, confusion, and other types of improper speech and behavior are some of the changes you might experience after a traumatic event such as a traffic accident.
Depression
Another emotional effect of an auto accident is depression. The most common type of depression, according to healthcare experts, is a major depressive disorder. Each year, 16.1 million American adults are affected by this condition.
Loss of interest in routine activities and overwhelming sadness are signs of depression. The condition can be diagnosed if some of its symptoms persist for weeks or months.
Sleep disorders
Anxiety and stress from traumatic events like car accidents cause a broad range of sleep disorders, warns the National Sleep Foundation. Anxiety and distress tend to overstimulate the brain. This triggers the release of neurochemicals, such as adrenaline and epinephrine. These neurochemicals can keep you awake, cause frequent flashbacks, and nightmares. This can ultimately disturb your sleep and result in sleep disorders.
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Recently, researchers at the University of Wisconsin Medical School identified a particular type of PTSD that they believe is common among all traffic accident survivors. This type of post-traumatic stress disorder is known as partial or subsyndromal PTSD.
Survivors of car crashes with this health condition had the following symptoms.
- High levels of hyperarousal
- Re-experiencing some symptoms
- Emotional numbing symptoms
- Low levels of avoidance
If you or a loved one were involved in a vehicle crash, you are at risk of developing PTSD. An individual with post-traumatic stress disorder may be unable to maintain healthy relationships with the family or friends and unable to work. In some cases, PTSD victims might choose to self-medicate, a practice that is likely to lead to addiction problems.
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