Living Donors and PTSD

Living Donors and PTSD

Many people believe post-traumatic stress disorder to be an affliction that affects only returning veterans, In truth, PTSD can develop after exposure to any traumatic event, including violent personal assaults (ex: rape, domestic violence), natural or human caused disasters (earthquake, airplane crash), accidents, or even the unexpected death of a loved one.

Symptoms:

Re-experiencing symptoms in the form of flashbacks, bad dreams, and frightening thoughts that interfere with a person's daily functioning.
Avoiding places, events or objects that are reminders of the experience.
Feeling emotionally numb.
Experiencing strong guilt, depression or worry.
Losing interest in activities previously enjoyable.
Difficulty remembering a dangerous event.
Being easily startled.
Feeling tense or 'on edge'.
Difficulty sleeping.
Angry outbursts.

According to the AADA, symptoms must last at least one month following a traumatic event, and according to the DSM-IV, symptoms must cause significant life impairment.

PTSD often occurs in conjunction with depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorders.

How these symptoms can manifest for the living donor:

Avoidance of anecdotes, articles and news stories regarding living transplantation.
Avoidance or antipathy toward the recipient him/herself.
Dreams might include being physically maimed or deformed as a result of the surgery.
Reluctance or refusal to talk about organ transplantation and/or living donation, whether personal experience or in general.
Depression or anxiety regarding the loss of the donor's 'whole' body, and the possibility of long-term health issues as a result of the donation.
Guilt about the recipient's health, especially if the graft fails, the recipient dies or does not regain some measure of health following the transplant.
Guilt for feelings of resentment toward the recipient or other loved ones for feeling pressured to donate.
Panic, fear and overwhelming anxiety regarding the possibility of undergoing another surgery, no matter how minimal
Anger toward the transplant center, recipient, family or others for feelings of abandonment
Isolation from others; fear of being rejected by others.
Anger and rage upon hearing similar stories of injustice or betrayal.

The symptoms of PTSD can be worsened by what is referred to as "Secondary Wounding", wherein the people (friends, family, recipient, physicians, social workers, etc) or institutions (transplant center, OPTN, UNOS, state medical board, legal system etc) who are support to protect and support fail to do and worse, blame the living donor for her/his situation.

"This complication isn't related to the donation."

"Your just looking for attention."

"Stop feeling sorry for yourself."

"Why can't you let it go?" or "Why can't you get over it?"

Treatment of PTSD includes therapy and medications.

Still under construction....

All proceeds from sales support the care and feeding of this site. If you would like to contribute design ideas or graphics, please contact info@LivingDonor101.com