Motor Vehicle Accident Trauma
Worldwide, one of the leading causes of death and injuries, are motor vehicle accidents (MVA). About 10% of people who experience a serious MVA develop post traumatic stress disorder. The APA (American Psychological Association) found MVAs to be the number one cause of PTSD in men and the number two cause in women.
What are the symptoms of PTSD caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents?
After a traumatic accident post traumatic stress disorder symptoms are commonly experienced. Common symptoms after a MVA include hyper-arousal and re-experiencing the accident. Avoidance symptoms may also occur in people who have experienced a motor vehicle accident, and often manifest themselves in three ways: driving phobias, limitations on driving, and anxious behaviors as passengers.
What are the risk factors for developing PTSD after a motor vehicle accident?
- Severe accident
- Fatalities or severe injury among those involved
- Perceived life-threatening event
- Intrusive memory immediately following the event (flashback)
- Subsequent difficulty driving or traveling in vehicles
- History of prior traumatic experiences
- History of underlying psychiatric disorder
- Ongoing litigation
What is the treatment for PTSD caused by an MVA?
Many people who live through an accident may experience some of the symptoms described above. These reactions, for a brief period of time after the accident, are normal and understanding about how to cope with trauma can be helpful. If these symptoms persist and impair the quality of life there are short term focused trauma treatments that are available.
If you are experiencing trauma as a result of a car accident, Metiv offers a counseling and assessment session. Recommendation for further treatment will be given if requires.
In cases when there is an insurance claim, there is an option to postpone payment for treatment until the claim's completion.
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