Lecture explores trauma

UP to 7% of people develop irrational fears, phobias or depression after a life-threatening event.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr David Walsh will tonight address the emotions people experience following major trauma in the first of a series of mental health awareness meetings organised by the Health Service Executive (HSE) Southern Area.

Dr Walsh said up to 10% of women and 5% of men experience post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a major trauma.

“It is not known for sure why a higher percentage of women suffer from PTSD but it may be linked to differences in the emotional centres of the brain or to traumatic events such as rape, which carry a higher risk of PTSD.”

Dr Walsh will examine fears and phobias people develop in the wake of assault, rape, car accidents and other accidents such as falls or explosions. “There are a wide range of phobias. I see a lot of people after road traffic accidents who have developed phobias about driving or travelling as a passenger, they become less confident and some stop driving altogether.”

Dr Walsh’s talk, at 8pm in the Doughcloyne Hotel, Togher, Cork, will kick-start a series of information evenings to take place during the month of February.

Next Monday, Dr Breda McLeavey, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist with the HSE Southern Area will give a talk on stress, distress and suicidal behaviour in young people. On Monday 21, Con Cremin, director of Talbot Grove Treatment Centre, will give a talk entitled, Addiction in our Community, and on Monday 28, Toni O’Connor, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Eating Disorder Unit, St Patrick’s Hospital, Dublin will give a talk on eating disorders.

Enquiries to Brenda Crowley, HSE Southern Area, Tel: [phone]. Email: [e-mail]