Individuals who experience a severe motor vehicle accident (MVA) are at increased risk for psychological problems like emotional trauma, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Awareness of the signs is essential so potentially serious psychological problems aren't left untreated.
What are the Signs of Emotional Trauma, Anxiety & PTSD After a Car Accident?
Anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional trauma are some of the most frequent injuries from car accidents. Psychological problems like these also frequently qualify as part of the emotional damages a victim can include in their claim. Sometimes anxiety and fear are easily recognizable, but sometimes they can slip by unidentified. If you're in a car accident, watch for some of the most visible symptoms of emotional trauma, including:
- Nightmares
- Loss of sleep
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
- Anguish
- Loneliness
- Shame
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Denial
- Disbelief
- Obsessive-compulsive syndrome
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension
Studies on the subject have identified several treatments available for PTSD and other emotional traumas that can offer good results.
PTSD is a Common Form of Emotional Trauma
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that often follows traumatic events involving death or the threat of death, serious injury, or the threat of serious injury. For many who are involved in a car accident, the symptoms of PTSD following the event could include the following:
- Intrusive thoughts of the accident
- Upsetting dreams about the accident
- Refusal (or extreme reluctance) to drive
- Actively avoiding thoughts about the car accident
- Significantly dampened emotions
- Feeling detached from others
- Disturbed sleep
- Increased irritability
- Exaggerated startle
What To Do If You Notice Signs of Emotional Trauma Following a Car Accident:
If you notice signs of emotional trauma after you are in a car accident, seek out appropriate treatment right away. While some are tempted to dismiss psychological issues as minor, they often have significant repercussions on the day-to-day life of car accident victims.
If you are injured in an accident and need to file a California car accident claim, you want Moss Bollinger, Sherman Oaks, California personal injury attorney, on your side. He's dedicated to protecting and asserting the rights of his clients. Call 866-942-7974 today for a free consultation, or contact us online.