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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?
A 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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