 What
is Post Abortion Syndrome-PAS?
Post Abortion Syndrome or PAS is a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD). PTSS occurs when a person undergoes a traumatic event or experience
that they are unable to cope with. In the case of PAS a woman exhibits
a specific related set of emotional problems after an abortion.
What
are the Symptoms?
Women suffering from PAS may exhibit many of the classic signs of
PTSD: anxiety attacks, irritability, outbursts of anger or rage,
aggressive behavior, difficulty concentrating, and nightmares or
sleeping disorders. Abortion related symptoms include: recurrent
or intrusive thoughts about the aborted child, flashbacks to the
procedure, feelings of grief or depression on the due date of the
aborted pregnancy or the anniversary date of the abortion, repression
or denial of thoughts and feelings about the abortion, efforts to
avoid activities or situations that remind them of pregnancy or
abortion, withdrawal, inability to trust or maintain a relationship,
or a sense of hopelessness. In some cases drug or alcohol abuse,
suicidal thoughts, and other self-destructive behavior may be present.
Who
is Vulnerable?
Any woman who has had an abortion may experience PAS. Some may have
been coerced by husbands, boyfriends, or parents to terminate their
pregnancy while others may have had very compelling reasons for
having an abortion, but are experiencing guilt, anguish, fear, anxiety,
or pain regarding the procedure.
Source:
"PAS Post-Abortion Syndrome - Are You At Risk?"; Published
by Easton Publishing Co., P.O. Box 1064, Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573)635-0609, www.eastonpublishing.com
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