All across Atlanta, there are people who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. While there may be some distinct similarities in how or why people develop PTSD, there are a number of factors that vary widely from case to case. People with PTSD come from a variety of backgrounds and have experienced unique traumas that are linked to the development of the condition. They also suffer a wide range of symptoms which can affect each person in very different ways.
Some people are able to manage their symptoms with medication and counseling while others have such extreme symptoms that their daily lives are severely affected. However, many researchers are dedicated to finding ways of helping people cope with their PTSD, whether it is minor or severe. For example, one researcher may soon be conducting tests to determine if marijuana is effective at suppressing symptoms of PTSD.
The researcher has been working for years to get the necessary approval to conduct a controlled experiment to test whether marijuana helps people with PTSD. In order to do this, three federal agencies need to sign off on the study proposal. She has just secured her second approval, which means that if the third agency also approves, she can begin her research.
Reports indicate that she is hoping to test how veterans with PTSD are affected by marijuana. It is proposed that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, can help alleviate symptoms of insomnia, anxiety and having flashbacks and the researcher cites mountains of “anecdotal evidence” to support this claim. Getting final approval from the government will allow her to officially test this theory and potentially open up new methods of treating the upsetting effects of PTSD.
Suffering from a mental condition can be a daily battle. Every day, people with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder can experience debilitating symptoms that make it nearly impossible for them complete daily routines, including going to work. When a person is unable to work due to a mental condition, they may want to consider pursuing Social Security Disability. While some people may shy away from pursuing disability benefits because of how stressful and frustrating the process can be, working through the system with the help of an experienced attorney can relieve some of this anxiety and help people get the benefits they need.
Source: USA Today, “Medical marijuana research for PTSD clears major hurdle,” Jolie Lee, March 18, 2014
