What Is PTSD, Or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
It’s normal to experience fear both during and after a distressing event. The body’s “fight-or-flight” reaction, which aids in preventing or addressing possible threat, includes the emotion of fear. Following a traumatic event, people may react in a variety of ways, but most will eventually get over their symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be identified in those who still exhibit symptoms.
Who is susceptible to PTSD?
PTSD may strike anybody at any age. This covers those who have served in the armed forces as well as those who have been the victim of abuse, assault, or terrorism, as well as accidents, disasters, or other traumatic incidents. Even when they are not in danger, people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may experience worry or fear.
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Not every person suffering from PTSD has experienced a traumatic incident. PTSD can occasionally be brought on by finding out that a close friend or family suffered trauma.
The National Center for PTSD, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs initiative, estimates that around 6 out of every 100 persons will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. PTSD is more common in women than in males. Some persons may be predisposed to developing PTSD due to biological variables (genes, for example) and specific characteristics of the traumatic incident.
What Signs of PTSD Are Present?
Though they can occasionally appear later, PTSD symptoms often start to show about three months after the stressful incident. A person must have symptoms for more than one month in order to satisfy the criteria for PTSD.
The condition progresses in different ways. Some people get well after six months, while for others, the symptoms persist for a year or more. Co-occurring illnesses including depression, drug abuse, or one or more anxiety disorders are common in people with PTSD.
It is normal to have certain symptoms following a risky occurrence. As an illustration, some people could feel cut off from the event, as if they are looking on from the outside rather than being a part of it. The diagnosis of PTSD can be made by a mental health professional, such as a clinical social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist, if symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria.
An adult has to experience each of the following for at least one month in order to be diagnosed with PTSD:
- At least one symptom that has resurfaced
- At least one symptom of avoidance
- Two or more signs of arousal and reactivity
- At least two issues with mood and cognition
- Regaining symptom experience
- Reliving the terrible experience through flashbacks, along with bodily sensations like perspiration or a pounding heart
- Recurring nightmares or recollections of the incident Unsettling thoughts
- Symptoms of physical stress
These symptoms can be brought on by words, items, settings that serve as reminders of the incident, as well as thoughts and feelings.
Signs of avoidance
- Avoiding locations, activities, or items that serve as reminders of the encounter
- Ignoring sentiments or ideas associated with the unpleasant experience
- People who have avoidance symptoms may decide to alter their habits. For instance, following a severe auto accident, some people would refrain from using a vehicle or from riding in one.
Symptoms of arousal and reactivity
- Easily frightened
- Sensation of tension, alertness, or edge
- Having trouble focusing
- Having trouble getting to sleep or remaining asleep
- Being agitated and prone to violent or furious outbursts
- Taking up dangerous, careless, or harmful activities
Symptoms of arousal are frequently ongoing. They may cause tension and rage, as well as make it difficult to focus, eat, sleep, or go about everyday activities.
Mood and cognitive symptoms
- Having trouble recalling important details of the horrific incident
- Exaggerated sentiments of guilt against oneself or others Negative ideas about oneself or the world
- Persistently unpleasant feelings like dread, rage, remorse, or humiliation
- Loss of enthusiasm for prior pursuits
- Sensations of social exclusion
- Having trouble experiencing happy or satisfied feelings
After the stressful experience, problems related to mood and cognition may start or get worse. They may cause someone to feel cut off from friends or relatives.
How do young people respond to trauma?
Traumatic situations can cause severe reactions in children and teenagers, although their symptoms might not be the same as those in adults.
Symptoms in children under the age of six may include:
- Wetting the bed after acquiring toilet skills
- Losing the ability to speak or forgetting how to speak
- Playing out the terrifying incident
- Being strangely attached to a parent or other adult
Typically, older kids and teenagers have symptoms that are more like to those of adults. Additionally, they can start acting in a disruptive, rude, or harmful manner. Older kids and teenagers can consider taking vengeance or feel guilty for not stopping harm or death.
Learn more about assisting kids and teenagers in recovering from traumatic experiences.
Why do some individuals not have PTSD while others do?
There are several elements that contribute to the development of PTSD in survivors of risky events. While some of these elements are existing before to the trauma, others come into play both during and following the traumatic experience.
The following risk factors might make PTSD more likely to develop:
- Exposure to traumatic events in the past, especially as a youngster
- Experiencing harm or witnessing others suffer or die
- Experiencing terror, powerlessness, or intense fearlacking in social support following the incident
- Managing post-event stresses, such as bereavement, physical harm, or losing one’s job or house
- Possessing a personal or familial background of substance abuse or mental illness
The following resilience qualities may lessen the chance of having PTSD:
- Contacting and getting assistance from family, friends, or support groups
- Acquiring the ability to accept oneself and one’s behavior after a terrible incident utilizing a coping mechanism to get through and process a painful experience.
- Despite experiencing anxiety, being ready and able to react to difficult situations as they arise.
How is the treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder?
Working with a mental health practitioner who has expertise treating PTSD is crucial for anyone experiencing symptoms of PTSD. The primary therapies consist of either medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. People can identify the ideal treatment plan for their symptoms and requirements with the assistance of an expert mental health practitioner.
Some PTSD sufferers, including those in abusive relationships, could be dealing with recurring trauma. In these situations, treating the traumatic event as well as the PTSD symptoms typically yields the best results. Individuals with PTSD or traumatic experiences may also struggle with panic attacks, despair, substance abuse, or suicide thoughts. Following trauma, treatment for certain illnesses might aid in recuperation.
Studies indicate that social and familial support might also play a critical role in the healing process.
Discover how to be ready and guided when discussing your mental health with your healthcare practitioner.
Psychoanalysis
Mental health practitioners employ a range of therapeutic strategies in psychotherapy, often known as talk therapy, to assist individuals in recognizing and modifying distressing feelings, ideas, and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help PTSD sufferers and their families by offering them support, information, and direction. Therapy can be given one-on-one or in a group, and it typically lasts six to twelve weeks, though it can go longer.
While some forms of psychotherapy concentrate on social, familial, or work-related issues, others address the symptoms of PTSD.
Successful psychotherapies frequently highlight a few essential elements, like :
Cognitive restructuring and exposure treatment are two popular forms of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy.
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By progressively exposing patients to their traumatic experiences in a safe manner, exposure therapy teaches them how to control their fear. People may reflect on the trauma, write about it, or go to the scene as part of exposure treatment. People with PTSD may experience less distressing symptoms as a result of this therapy.
Rearranging one’s cognitive structure aids in understanding the traumatic experience. People occasionally have different memories of events than what actually happened, or they may experience shame or guilt over something that did not happen to them. People with PTSD may find it easier to process what happened realistically with the use of cognitive restructuring.
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