Name: 什麼是創傷後壓力症候群？(What Is PTSD, Exactly?)
Uploaded: 2021-02-24T21:01:30.000Z
Duration: 3 min 38 s

A huge misunderstanding around Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is that it's most prevalent in military personnel and veterans,

人們對創傷後壓力症候群很大的一個誤解是它主要常見於軍人和退伍軍人，

but based on calculations from government data, about 90% of people with PTSD have never been to war.

但據官方數據統計，創傷後壓力症候群的患者中，約有 90% 從未參戰過

Instead, they are survivors of abuse and assault, car accidents, natural disasters, and other forms of trauma.

相反地，他們是虐待、性侵害、交通事故、天災以及其它形式創傷的倖存者

This condition affects their everyday lives, which begs the question, What Is It Like To Have PTSD?

這個症狀影響他們的日常生活，所以患有創傷後壓力症候群是什麼樣子 ?

In any given year, about 8 million Americans deal with this condition.

每年約有 800 萬的美國人患有此疾病

It can arise after significant trauma and cause flashbacks, severe anxiety, nightmares, and extreme sadness.

這種疾病可能發生在重大創傷後，並會導致情境再現、重度焦慮、惡夢，以及極度憂傷

People with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can feel emotionally numb, even with those they're close to.

患有創傷後壓力症候群的病患在情緒上會變得麻木，即使與他們親近的人相處時亦是如此

They might have trouble sleeping, get startled easily, and lose interest in their passions.

他們可能會有睡眠問題、容易受驚嚇，並對他們有興趣的事物失去熱情

It can affect someone's work, home and social life.

這會影響到一個人的工作、家庭，以及社交生活

After a traumatic event, most people heal fully in a few weeks or months, but those who don't can go on to develop PTSD.

在創傷事件發生後，大部分的人會在數週或數月內完全復原，而那些無法走出傷痛的人們，則可能會產生創傷後壓力症候群

The condition could arise right after the event or show up years later.

這個症狀可能會出現在事發後或是幾年後才出現

It can occur at any age and last anywhere from one month to several years.

它可能發生在任何年齡層並持續一個月甚至到好幾年

One of the main defining characteristics of PTSD is the flashbacks, also called intrusive memories.

創傷後壓力症候群最主要的一個症狀是情境再現，也被稱為侵入性記憶

These experiences seemingly bring the individual back to the moments of trauma.

這些經歷將個人帶回到創傷事件發生的時刻

While they may not visually see what they experienced, they feel it all over again.

雖然他們並非真的看到所經歷的事件，但他們又再次感受一次導致創傷的事件

These flashbacks can come out of nowhere or be brought on by a trigger.

導致這樣的情境再現因子無處不在，或由某個因素所觸發

For example, if you got shot outside a convenience store, a car backfiring may remind you of the gunshot and bring you right back to that horrific moment.

舉例來說，如果你曾在一個便利商店外遭槍擊，汽車引擎的逆火聲可能會讓你想起那場槍擊事件，並帶你回到過去那個恐怖的當下

People with PTSD might stay away from people, places, or activities that remind them of the trauma to avoid being triggered.

為了避免再激發創傷，有創傷後壓力症候群的患者通常會避開使他們想起過往創傷的人群、地點或是活動

Other defense mechanisms come into play subconsciously with PTSD.

其他的防禦機制對創傷後壓力症候群來說也扮演重要的角色

People may have trouble remembering major parts of a traumatic experience and even repress memories completely.

人們可能難以記住創傷事件的主要情節，甚至會完全壓抑這部分的記憶

It's thought that this could be the brain's way of protecting someone from the traumatic memories.

這被認為是大腦從創傷記憶中保護患者的一種方式

This could mean someone might not remember being shot outside that convenience store at all.

這表示患者可能完全不記得自己曾在便利商店外遭槍擊

There are a number of differences in brains of people with PTSD.

創傷後壓力症候群患者的腦部與正常人有許多不同之處

The amygdala, which is tied to fear processing, and the left hippocampus, which is partially responsible for memories, are smaller in people with PTSD.

他們的處理恐懼情緒相關的杏仁核，和處理記憶的海馬體左半部比常人來得小

It's also thought that the brain's Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis can't regulate stress hormones properly,

又有一說是大腦的下視丘－腦垂腺－腎上腺軸無法好好調節壓力荷爾蒙

contributing to PTSD symptoms and causing intense waves of stress, fear, and depression.

因而導致創傷後壓力症候群的症狀出現，並造成高度壓力、恐懼以及憂鬱

Other physical effects of PTSD can be found in the neural, endocrine and immune systems.

創傷後壓力症候群在身體上的其它影響可表現在神經、內分泌以及免疫系統上

This disorder has even been directly linked to increased incidences of autoimmune diseases,

這種疾病甚至與自身免疫性疾病、心血管疾病、肌肉骨骼疾病

cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and infertility.

和不孕症日益提高的病發率有直接的關聯性

Anyone who has experienced a trauma is susceptible to PTSD.

任何曾經遭遇創傷的人都可能罹患創傷後壓力症候群

But people with childhood trauma, poor support systems, or history of mental illness or substance abuse are all at increased risk of developing PTSD.

然而有兒時創傷、支持系統較薄弱、有心理疾病史或有藥物濫用紀錄的人，都有較高的機率患有創傷後壓力症候群

Women and girls are also more likely to experience sexual abuse or assault, which can be a contributing factor to this huge influx of female PTSD.

成年女性及女孩更易遭受性虐待或性侵，這可能是創傷後壓力症候群在女性患者數量激增的原因之一

Unfortunately, societal support for PTSD survivors is lacking, especially for those outside the military, but getting help is crucial.

不幸地，對創傷後壓力症候群的倖存者來說，在社會方面缺乏支援，特別是對那些非退伍軍人的人，但獲得幫助是非常重要的

You can reduce the risk of developing PTSD after a traumatic event by seeking out support from loved ones, support groups, and professionals.

藉由向你的愛人、互助協會，和專業人員的求助，你可以降低在痛苦事件後罹患創傷後壓力症候群的機率

Links to free resources are down the description below.

Are there any other conditions you'd like us to explore?

你是否還有其它症狀希望我們可以探討?

Let us know in the comment section below.

and if you wanna watch more, check out the video did on what it's like to be deaf.

如果你想了解更多，看看我們製作的短片「 聽不見是什麼樣子」