Following a traumatic experience, such as a physical or sexual assault, it is possible that the victim may develop an anxiety based disorder. Below is a very brief description of some of the common types of such disorders:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) results following experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and feeling fear, helplessness or horror followed by intense memories of the traumatic event.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) results in experiencing fear when in social situations and subsequently avoiding such social interactions.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves excessively worrying over a number of different events that lasts longer than six months and that are difficult to control.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by unwanted and uncontrollable intrusive obsessions and/or compulsions.
Panic Disorder (PD) involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks in situations that are not necessarily threatening.
Specific Phobia (SP) is characterised by intense anxiety when exposed to a specific feared situation or object resulting in avoidance behaviour or feelings of intense distress.
If you have been the victim of crime in Victoria, such as a physical or sexual assault, and have suffered a psychological injury, contact Victims of Crime Counselling & Compensation Services on 1800 000 055 for assistance.
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as the name suggests, is likely to be one of the more common disorders to be encountered after such an awful experience. However take heart that not all anxieties will become full blown disorders. No doubt these experiences are very traumatic. It is important to seek help after such events, especially with the onset of recognisable anxiety. Catching anxiety early may go a long way to prevent a disorder developing. Seek help and don’t delay. Also, it is not uncommon for one severe disorder to be accompanied by another disorder to a lesser extent. Avoiding social interactions after trauma can show evidence of Social Anxiety. Fear and avoidance behavior are key symptoms.