Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as military combat, sexual assault or a natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks or nightmares of the event, avoidance of people or places associated with the event, emotional numbness or detachment and hyperarousal or anxiety. Treatment for PTSD may involve therapy, medication or a combination of both and can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Types Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
There is only one type of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5). However, based on the type of traumatic event that triggered PTSD, some common subtypes are described below:
Acute PTSD: This type of PTSD can occur when an individual experiences symptoms within the first three months of the traumatic event.
Chronic PTSD: This type of PTSD can occur when an individual experiences symptoms for three months or longer after the traumatic event.
Complex PTSD: This type of PTSD can occur when an individual experiences prolonged and repeated trauma such as childhood abuse or neglect.
Comorbid PTSD: This type of PTSD can occur when an individual experiences PTSD along with another mental health condition such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse disorder.
Delayed onset PTSD: This type of PTSD can occur when an individual experiences symptoms six months or more after the traumatic event.
It’s important to note that while these sub types are not officially recognized in the DSM 5, they can help clinicians understand and tailor treatment to the individual’s specific needs.
Symptoms Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder that can cause a range of symptoms which can be divided into four categories including re experiencing, avoidance, negative changes in mood and hyperarousal.
Re experiencing symptoms may include:
Nightmares related to the traumatic event.
Feeling like the traumatic event is happening again.
Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event.
Avoidance symptoms may include:
Having difficulty in remembering aspects of the traumatic event.
Avoiding thoughts, feelings or conversations related to the traumatic event.
Avoiding situations or activities that remind the person of the traumatic event.
Negative changes in mood symptoms may include:
Feeling numb or detached from others.
Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Feeling guilty or blaming oneself for traumatic event.
Hyperarousal symptoms may include:
Hypervigilance.
Feeling irritable.
Feeling easily startled.
Having difficulty sleeping.
It’s important to note that not everyone with PTSD will experience all of these symptoms and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms following a traumatic event, it’s important to seek professional help.
Causes Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma can be defined as an event that involves actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence. Some common causes of PTSD include:
Car accidents.
Military combat.
Natural disasters.
Sexual or physical assault.
Childhood abuse or neglect.
Witnessing violence or death.
Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD and the likelihood of developing PTSD can depend on various factors such as the severity and duration of the trauma, the individual’s personal history and characteristics and the availability of support following the trauma. Additionally, research has suggested that genetics may play a role in the development of PTSD.
Risk Factors Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
There are several risk factors that can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing a traumatic event. These risk factors include:
Having a traumatic brain injury.
Having limited social support or resources.
Having a history of mental health conditions.
Having a history of substance abuse or addiction.
Experiencing a high level of stress in everyday life.
Having a family history of mental health conditions.
Having a job or role that involves exposure to trauma.
Experiencing multiple or prolonged traumatic events.
It’s important to note that not everyone with these risk factors will develop PTSD and not all individuals with PTSD will have these risk factors. However, being aware of these risk factors can help individuals and healthcare providers identify those who may be at a higher risk for developing PTSD and provide appropriate support and resources.
Diagnosis Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist after a comprehensive assessment that includes a review of the individual’s medical and mental health history, symptoms and the presence of any risk factors.
The diagnostic criteria for PTSD in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) include exposure to a traumatic event, re experiencing symptoms, avoidance symptoms, negative changes in mood and hyperarousal symptoms.
To meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, an individual must experience at least one re experiencing symptom, one avoidance symptom, two negative changes in mood and cognition symptoms and two hyperarousal symptoms for at least one month.
Mental health professionals may use various assessment tools and interviews to aid in the diagnosis of PTSD such as the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM 5 (PCL 5). It’s important for individuals who suspect they may have PTSD to seek professional help from a mental health provider experienced in the treatment of PTSD. A correct diagnosis is critical to developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Medications: Antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can be used to treat PTSD. These medications can help manage symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Psychotherapy: Different types of psychotherapy can be used to treat PTSD including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies help individuals to process the traumatic event and learn coping skills to manage symptoms.
Support groups: Support groups can provide a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences with others who have had similar experiences. Support groups can also help individuals develop coping strategies and provide a sense of belonging.
Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating and stress management techniques can also help manage symptoms of PTSD.
It’s important to work with a mental health professional to determine the most effective treatment plan for each individual’s unique situation. With appropriate treatment and support, many individuals with PTSD can experience significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life.
Conclusion
Post traumatic stress disorder is mental health problem which can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life and mental well being. Fortunately, effective treatments are available including psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. It’s important to recognize that recovery is possible and that individuals can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives with appropriate treatment and support.