PTSD: Definition & Symptoms

Posted by Share Lawyers on July 7th, 2017

Surrounding the diagnosis of PTSD is the common misconception of who it can affect based on the circumstances that can cause it.

PTSD is a disorder that came from the symptoms previously known as “shell-shock”. It was commonly related to war veterans or others affected by similar atrocities. Upon returning to life after the war, many men (and women) had showed unnerving symptoms. 

We have had many clients who suffer from PTSD, which is now recognized as anyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic, often life-threatening, event.

PTSD can have both physical and emotional symptoms, which include but are not limited to:

Physical symptoms:

• Breathing problems
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Panic attacks
• Insomnia

Emotional symptoms:

• Re-experiencing flashbacks
• Emotional numbness or Untamed emotional arousal
• Difficulty sleeping or Concentrating
• Irritable behaviour

Despite its sometimes severe physical symptoms, PTSD is classified as an invisible disability - one that cannot be diagnosed with objective medical testing. Many insurance companies will try to challenge the rights of somewhere with PTSD and a disability claim.

For many people, treating PTSD is a constant and ongoing battle, so it is important to know your rights regarding the matter, especially when dealing with insurance companies.

This information is brought to you by Share Lawyers, Ontario's Leading Disability Insurance Lawyers.

[All names and identifying details have been changed to protect the confidentiality of all involved.]