PTSD
Nakajima Atsushi
中島 敦
Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderAtsushi's traumatic experiences at the orphanage have left him with symptoms of PTSD. His recurrent distressing memories, negative beliefs about himself, and self-destructive behavior are clear indicators.
Detailed Analysis
- Directly Experiencing Traumatic Events: Atsushi experienced severe abuse at the orphanage, including physical and verbal abuse.
- Witnessing Traumatic Events as They Occurred to Others: He has seen many people die, which contributes to his PTSD.
- Recurrent, Involuntary, and Intrusive Distressing Memories: He frequently has flashbacks to his traumatic experiences.
- Recurrent Distressing Dreams: Atsushi has nightmares related to his trauma.
- Marked Physiological Reactions to Reminders of the Trauma: He has panic attacks when reminded of the orphanage.
- Persistent, Exaggerated Negative Beliefs: He often feels useless and blames himself for bad events.
- Reckless or Self-Destructive Behavior: Atsushi frequently engages in dangerous situations, demonstrating his reckless behavior.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD
- Directly experiencing traumatic events
- Witnessing traumatic events as they occurred to others
- Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic events
- Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic events
- Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic events were recurring
- Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic events
- Marked physiological reactions to reminders of the traumatic events
- Persistent, exaggerated negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world
- Persistent negative emotional state
- Reckless or self-destructive behavior
Atsushi Exhibits Many Symptoms of PTSD
For 1 "directly experiencing traumatic events" Atsushi experienced many traumatic events at the hands of his orphanage, including physical and verbal abuse.
For 2 "witnessing in person the event(s) as it occurred to others" Atsushi has seen many people die, which contributes to his PTSD.
For 5 "recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s)" Atsushi constantly has flashbacks to the orphanage he was in, and how he was abused.
For 6 "recurring distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s)."
For 9 "marked physiological reaction to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event" when the orphanage director died Atsushi was seen having a panic attack.
For 13 "persistent or exaggerated negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world" when the agency was being targeted by the port mafia, Atsushi believed he was burdening them with thoughts like "I'm useless" "I cause pain and suffering."
For 14 "persistent, and distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others" he was constantly blaming himself for everything.
For 15 "persistent negative emotional state" what is there for Atsushi to be happy about.
For 20 "reckless or self-destructive behavior" Atsushi running into battle and constantly confronting enemies demonstrates his reckless behavior.
Summary
Atsushi is very traumatized because of his experience at the orphanage. And it is very obvious that he has PTSD.