Secondary PTSD

The news station did a good job on this but they left out the fact that a lot of times living with someone with out of control PTSD can cause PTSD as well. This isn't new. A lot of Vietnam veteran wives will be able to tell you about their lives and the lives of their kids when the veteran is not helped to heal and they are told what they can do to help.


Secondary PTSD KFDA

AMARILLO, TEXAS - There's a growing mental health concern on the High Plains, but most people have never even heard of it. Many family members and even caretakers of solider's are suffering from the same PTSD symptoms according to several local doctors.

Secondary PTSD also known as compassion fatigue is considered controversial by the American Psychiatric Association, but the group decided to keep it in the upcoming diagnostic manual writing: "There is good evidence that PTSD does occur among people who have learned about the homicide, gruesome death, grotesque details of rape, genocide, or violent abuse of a loved one."

Medical professionals say the worst thing to do in this situation is to ignore the warning signs. Several local doctors say in most cases Secondary PTSD can be treated fully with therapy or medication.

For more about PTSD and it's symptoms visit the VA sponsored, http://www.ptsd.va.gov/
click link for the video report