Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a dangerous and often neglected disorder. People who suffer from this disorder shut themselves away from their families and friends, making their lives difficult and lonely. Steven Benish, a counselor and professor of counseling and psychology, and Patricia Bromley, a professor of psychology, will be addressing this difficult topic in their presentation about PTSD on Feb. 7. It is important to understand both reasons and symptoms of this disorder to properly cope with those suffering.

Benish said most people experience some form of trauma in their lifetime, however it does not develop into PTSD.

“Witnessed or experienced threat or serious injury to self or others causes this disorder,” Benish said. Trauma can come in the form of attack, witnessing a traumatic experience, combat, or molestation. Any of these experiences may result in symptoms of PTSD. Symptoms usually appear in three clusters: hyperarousal, reexperiencing or avoidance. If these symptoms continue for more than a month after the trauma, it is likely the individual is suffering from PTSD. Only after a month of these symptoms will a person be tested for the disorder.

People who are suffering from this disorder often become susceptible to additional disorders, the most common being alcohol abuse.

“This has a devastating effect on families,” Bromley said.

“It is a vicious cycle, the symptoms push those people away when they are needed most,” Benish said. It is important to recognize the symptoms and try to help.

“Only a well certified counselor in mental illness should treat a patient with PTSD,” Deirdre Dalsing, a counselor for Student Health Services, said.

Treatment has been proven to be very effective, as long as the individual receives it. Counseling, psychotherapy and medication are only effective as long as the individual receives them.

Benish and Bromley will delve into what the disorder is, the causes, and the treatment for PTSD. Their presentation will be at 5 p.m. on Feb. 7, in the Platteville east and west rooms of the Student Center. It is open to the public, and there will be a question and answer session following the presentation. “People don’t realize they have something or they just hide away,” Bromley said. Learn the signs and how to cope with the disorder, and help friends or family who may be suffering from shutting themselves away from the life they were living.