Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects countless people. The symptoms are quite difficult to manage and persist for years if left untreated. It can occur from any number of potential traumas such as physical abuse, sexual assault, car accidents, medical emergencies, natural disasters, or involvement in criminal events such as robberies or muggings to name just a few.

Causes of PTSD

PTSD can result when a person is exposed to death or threatened physical injury either through direct exposure, witnessing or through indirect exposure. If a number of these symptoms are persisting beyond one month following the traumatic event, it is likely to be PTSD.

Most people will experience at least one intrusive symptom:

  • Unwanted upsetting memories
  • Nightmares
  • Flashbacks
  • Emotional distress after exposure to traumatic reminders
  • Physical reactivity after exposure to traumatic reminders

Most people also experience avoidant symptoms. This involves avoidance of trauma-related stimuli after the trauma:

  • Trauma-related thoughts or feelings
  • Trauma-related external reminders

Additionally, most people with PTSD will experience negative alterations in thinking and mood such as:

  • Inability to recall key features of the trauma
  • Overly negative thoughts and assumptions about oneself or the world
  • Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the trauma
  • Negative affect
  • Decreased interest in activities
  • Feeling isolated
  • Difficulty experiencing positive affect

Lastly, people with PTSD usually have some alterations in arousal and reactivity that can include:

  • Irritability or aggression
  • Risky or destructive behavior
  • Hypervigilance
  • Heightened startle reaction
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty sleeping

Recent research on the treatment of PTSD has identified Eye Movement Desensitization and Retraining (EMDR) to be one of the fastest and more effective forms of treatment for PTSD, essentially helping people integrate the traumatic event in a way that allows the brain to process through and move past what happened.

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PTSD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

 

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

PTSD can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event, such as war, natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, sudden death of a loved one, rape, or other violent personal assaults.

 

Anyone who has gone through a traumatic event is at risk for PTSD. Factors such as a history of mental illness, lack of support systems, and the nature of the traumatic event can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD.

 

Symptoms of PTSD can be grouped into four categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. These symptoms can vary over time and vary from person to person.

 

PTSD is diagnosed by a mental health professional through a comprehensive evaluation, including a discussion of the symptoms, their duration, and their impact on daily life. Diagnosis is based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

 

Common treatments for PTSD include psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT), medications (like antidepressants), or a combination of both. Treatment plans are often tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

 

While it may not be possible to prevent PTSD, early intervention and support following a traumatic event can help. Strategies include seeking support from loved ones, participating in therapy, and engaging in stress-reducing activities.

 

PTSD affects about 3.5% of U.S. adults every year, and an estimated 1 in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men.

Self-help strategies for managing PTSD include practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced nutrition, staying connected with supportive people, and setting realistic goals for recovery.

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