Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that is triggered by a specific traumatic event or a build-up of trauma over time. The event can be a threat or an actual incident that was experienced or witnessed.
It is natural to feel afraid and have temporary difficulties after a very stressful event. However, most people get better with time and self-care.
In people with PTSD, on the other hand, the event or general trauma is often replayed repeatedly in their minds. This can happen in the form of nightmares or flashbacks.
This makes the person feel as if they are experiencing repeated trauma. The fears and stress associated with the event are reactivated again and again. Instead of improving, the anxiety symptoms get worse over time.
They lead to so-called avoidance symptoms. These include staying away from reminders related to the traumatic event, such as certain places or objects. Also, trauma-related thoughts are being avoided.
Additional symptoms in those affected are having overly negative thoughts and mood. They might also feel isolated. This in turn can result in being extremely on guard, having angry outbursts, and having difficulty sleeping or focusing.
In PTSD, the symptoms last more than one month but can also become chronic. They can vary from person to person and also over time. However, in all cases, they are severe enough to interfere with day-to-day life.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the standard classification of mental disorders in the United States. Its most current edition (DMS-5) includes PTSD under a new category called ‘Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders’.
As the name implies, post-traumatic stress disorder occurs after a traumatic event. This event can be a threat or an actual occurrence that the person experienced or witnessed or that happened to a family member or close friend.
Also, certain occupation groups, such as first responders, police officers, or soldiers can experience extreme or repeated exposure to traumatic events.
The most common traumatic stressors include actual or threatened death, serious injury, and sexual assault or abuse.
PTSD symptoms can develop right after a traumatic event but most often within 3 months of the incident. However, some people have so-called delayed-onset PTSD. Their symptoms may not appear until at least six 6 months or sometimes even years after the event.
Not everyone develops PTSD after going through a trauma. Research found that women are more at risk than men, as well as potentially people with certain genes.
So-called resilience factors can help reduce the risk of PTSD. These include support from family and friends, joining a support group, and coping positively.
More recently, post-traumatic stress disorder has been grouped into PTSD and complex PTSD. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) is a relatively new diagnosis. It is not added as a separate condition in DSM-5 yet.
Both disorders are caused by trauma and share similar symptoms. The main difference is that complex PTSD develops because of prolonged or repeated trauma, whereas PTSD is usually about one single event.
In addition to PTSD symptoms, people with cPTSD have problems with managing emotions and maintaining relationships. They also have low self-worth and feelings of guilt and shame.
Complex PTSD and borderline personality disorder (BPD) can get confused since they share some symptoms and can co-exist. However, research suggests that PTSD, cPTSD, and BPD are distinct syndromes.
There are many symptoms of PTSD. They vary between each person and the traumatic stress that they went through. In general, PTSD symptoms fall into four main categories.
Intrusive symptoms
The most common symptom is re-experiencing the trauma. People with PTSD are reliving the traumatic event over and over in their minds. This happens through intrusive memories such as flashbacks or nightmares.
Avoidance
This leads to avoidance behaviours. The affected person will try to stay clear of anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. Reminders of the trauma can be places, people, objects, or activities.
Negative changes in thinking/mood
This can also go along with emotional numbness. Emotional numbness is often a protective mechanism. Some people try to cope with negative feelings by trying not to feel anything at all.
Some people will develop negative moods and beliefs. These are often exaggerated and persistent. They might also feel hopeless or detached from other people.
Hyperarousal
Someone with PTSD might constantly feel on edge, being aware of threats or easily startled. This state of mind is called hyperarousal.
This often results in difficulty sleeping and concentrating. It can also change emotional reactions such as being irritable or having angry outbursts.
Depending on the severity of the PTSD symptoms it can also lead to the development of other mental illnesses. To numb out these stressful experiences, substance abuse, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or self-destructive behaviours including self-harm may develop.
There can also be physical symptoms that are associated with this disorder and trauma. They include increased heartbeat and blood pressure, stomach ache, headache, muscle tension and more.
The length of time that PTSD symptoms last depends on multiple factors. Some factors relate to the traumatic event and possibly other events that happened in the past. Other factors relate to the person, their social support, and the treatment they receive.
In most cases, the symptoms start during the first month or within three months after a trauma. However, some people can go for years without knowing that the symptoms they are experiencing are from PTSD.
Thus, it is very important for those who have been traumatized to see a doctor for an assessment. To be diagnosed with PTSD, the symptoms last for at least one month and interfere with daily life.
Without treatment, PTSD can last for years or sometimes even for decades. Scientists have shown that therapy reduces the duration of PTSD.
There are many different treatment options for all anxiety disorders especially for post-traumatic stress disorder. Often, approaching treatment from many different angles can help to decrease symptoms and improve the treatment outcome.
Seek out a health professional or a mental health professional
Various types of therapy have been shown to help with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. These include trauma-focused therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Psychodynamic therapy is often used for complex trauma disorders. Complex traumas are severe, chronic traumas that happen in childhood.
The different therapies can all have significant impacts on helping a person deal with the traumatic experience and move through that.
Working with the trauma directly can help to decrease its intensity and the anxiety and impact it has on the mind and body. This can have huge benefits to one’s mental health.
The treatment most effective will depend on the patient and the type of traumatic experience. Therefore, the expertise of a mental health professional is extremely helpful.
Pharmaceuticals
Prescription drugs for PTSD include the following antidepressants: fluoxetine and paroxetine from the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and venlafaxine from the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
These medicines should always be taken with the advice of a health professional. Together, you can find out what is best for your situation and has the fewest side effects.
Natural Remedies
Some various herbal products and teas can help ease the anxiety that accompanies PTSD. These include passionflower, chamomile, valerian, lavender, lemon balm, and others.
Some herbs seem to work in a similar way as certain drugs. One of them is passionflower which acts on the central nervous system. It binds to the GABA receptors that relax the body.
All of these herbs are considered safe at recommended doses. However, check with your doctor first, especially if you are taking other medications. Some herbs might alter the effect of certain drugs when used together.
Self-care
- Try to decrease anxiety and muscle tension with relaxation techniques. This can include meditation, focusing on breathing, listening to soothing music, or spending time in nature.
- Mindfulness practice and other grounding techniques can help you during flashbacks.
- Eat foods that nourish your body and keep your energy up during the day. Good fats (avocado, nuts and seeds, olive oil) are important for your nervous system. Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake.
- Getting enough sleep is vital for your mind and body.
- Create a good support system. Find a peer support group or other people you can talk to.
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