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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Driving ability can be affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Often referred to as PTSD, this is an profound psychological condition triggered by acute mental stress. This is usuall as a result to exposure to a life–threatening, or perceived life–threatening incident, during which the subject will experience extreme mental trauma.
We are talking of exposeure to a critical incident, examples of which may include a high–end physical assault, being held captive as a hostage during which the perceived threat to life was real and constant, the personal involvement in any other near a death incident.
The Potters Bar train disaster of May 2002, or escaping from the sinking of The Marchioness on the Thames in 1989, have both been responsible for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder cases. Even years later we have been contacted by survivors of both who are now dealing with issues associated with PTSD, affecting their ability to function as a car driver.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is often experienced
by people from certain professions
PTSD is a condition that often affects members of the armed forces, who have experienced live combat. Members of the emergency services can also suffer acute mental trauma.
There are other circumstances from which PTSD can originate and it can have a negative effect, such as a significant road collision. Thereafter, PTSD affects driving, or sometimes just getting into a car.
The incident from which the condition stems may not necessarily be life–threatening in real terms, but the fact it is perceived as such can be enough to cause the stress levels required to produce the mental scarring that eventually manifests itself as this type of anxiety disorder.
Acute levels of stress is a trigger to anxiety disorder
When a human being experiences, or even witnesses, a life–threatening or traumatic incident, particularly where substantial injury is sustained, either to themselves or to another, their threat perception level can be hugely exaggerated and therefore the trauma is intensified.
This can self–perpetuate into a downward spiral of diminishing self–esteem and lack of confidence, which then fuels further stress, adding to already worsening anxiety disorder. Where driving is concerned, PTSD associated with a driving related incident can affect the ability to function normally as a driver. Commonly, this will be associated with certain types of roads, such as motorways.
Information About PTSD
It is estimated that up to 1 in 10 people will develop a form of anxiety disorder at some stage in their lives, and for some this will affect their ability when driving.
- Distressing and recurring thoughts, memories, mental images, dreams, or flashbacks of the trauma.
- Attempts to avoid, conversations, places, people, activities or anything that may trigger memories of the incident through fear of becoming stressed or anxious.
- Feeling emotionally numb and detached from others.
- A deeply pessimistic outlook on life.
- Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable, and difficulty in planning for the future.
- Increased anxiety over what others may perceive as trivial and that may have not been present before the trauma. This may cause difficulty in sleeping, irritability, including angry outbursts.
- Lack in ability to concentrate.
- Heightened levels of threat–awareness and perception.
Whilst it is normal to feel upset straight after the event, for many the distress will gradually ease with the passing of time. Where an individual is suffering from the effects of PTSD, those feelings of distress and other symptoms will persist more long–term and may even intensify. This can develop into a condition of phobia and which becomes focused upon the subject matter at the root of the condition.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Arising From Road Traffic Collisions
Road collisions involve more than just damaged vehicles, they involve people’s lives, and whilst vehicles can be repaired or replaced, and physical injuries become healed or reconciled, the mental injury will often be the more difficult to deal with.
Problems within the mind can easily go by unnoticed, with the effects sometimes remaining dormant for many years before being reawakened to develop into a form of anxiety disorder.
Treatment for PTSD
- Counselling, or treatment by a psychologist will help to put fears and concerns into a more logical perspective, this being achieved through periods of discussion and reasoning.
- Cognitive therapy, which seeks to bring about changes in behaviour patterns, habits and rituals through repetitive practical exercises.
- Group therapy, where individuals with similar problems are brought together to discuss their experiences with each other, thus reinforcing the feeling that they are not alone with their fears and to support each other.
- Medication, such as a form of anti–depressants, such as SSRI’s (selective serotonin re–uptake inhibitors), which are designed to ease the level anxiety so as to assist in the ability to deal with the underlying issues more effectively.
- Beta–blockers can be used and which suppress the instinctive human response to threat and fear. These methods are often used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as those listed above.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder cases should always take advice
from their GP or counsellor before embarking on a Ride Drive programme
It you believe you are suffering from PTSD, our advice is that you should first visit your GP and discuss your issues there. Ask to be referred to a psychologist to help you unlock those problems that you may have been keeping hidden away in that drawer marked, "Too Uncomfortable to Deal With Just Now."
If you fail to gain satisfaction at your surgery you could try contacting a support network, such as Cruse, who are a charitable organisation dealing mainly with those who have suffered loss through bereavement. Take a look at our Driving Phobia Support page for further details of reputable support agencies, or contact the Ride Drive office for advice.
Ride Drive do not usually take on cases of PTSD driving, but will always suggest the enquirer approach their GP, or seek the services of a counselling service. However, if your doctor or counsellor agrees their work can be completed alongside the Ride Drive programme, we will be happy to discuss the matter further.
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This page was last updated
Monday, 24-May-2010
PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Driving
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