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What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Signs, Causes & Treatment of PTSD?

post-traumatic stress disorder

Reviewed by

Dr. Sangeeta Hatila - Neuro Psychiatrist
Dr. Sangeeta Hatila - Neuro Psychiatrist

Published on January 27th 2025

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

what is post-traumatic stress disorder?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health illness caused by being involved in or witnessing a terrible event. It can impact anyone, regardless of age or background, and can cause significant emotional suffering.

So, what is post-traumatic stress disorder? It’s more than simply a lousy memory; it can impair daily living, relationships, and overall well-being. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment of post-traumatic disorder is critical for both individuals affected and their loved ones.

According to NIMH, “post-traumatic stress disorder is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear is a part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger.”

During and after a traumatic experience, it is very normal to have feelings of fear. Fear is a component of the defense mechanism known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction, which enables us to either avoid or react to possible threats. After a traumatic event, individuals may suffer a variety of emotions, and the majority of people recover from the first symptoms over the course of time. PTSD is a condition that may be identified in those who continue to suffer difficulties.

Let’s look at the causes, symptoms, treatments, and other factors of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Also Read:

Causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can have many different causes, but most of the time, it’s caused by going through or seeing a stressful event.

Here are some common causes:

  • Combat Exposure: Many soldiers suffer from PTSD as a result of wartime trauma.
  • Sexual assault: Survivors of sexual violence often face long-term psychological effects.
  • Accidents: Serious accidents, such as car crashes, can lead to PTSD.
  • Natural Disasters: Events like hurricanes or earthquakes can leave lasting emotional scars.
  • Childhood Trauma: Experiencing abuse or neglect during childhood can increase the risk of developing PTSD later in life.

Understanding these causes can help in recognizing the condition and seeking appropriate help.

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may appear within three months of a traumatic experience. However, symptoms may not develop for years following the occurrence. These symptoms last more than a month and cause significant problems in social or professional circumstances, as well as your ability to get along with people. They can also impair your ability to perform your normal everyday chores.

PTSD symptoms are typically classified into three categories: 

Emotional Symptoms

  • Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event again and again.
  • Nightmares: Disturbing traumatic dreams.
  • Severe Anxiety: Constantly feeling fearful.

Physical Symptoms

  • Increased Heart Rate: Feeling your heart racing whenever you remember the trauma.
  • Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially in stressful situations.
  • Fatigue: Constant tiredness, even after a full night’s sleep.

Behavioral Symptoms

  • Avoidance: Avoiding all places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma.
  • Isolation: Withdrawing from friends and family.
  • Irritability: Increased anger or frustration over minor issues.

Now that we know the symptoms, let us look at the types of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders.

Types of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Types of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Different forms of post-traumatic stress disorder are characterized by different symptoms:

  • Acute PTSD

This type develops within the first three months after a traumatic incident. Symptoms can be acute, but they may improve with medication.

  • Chronic PTSD

Chronic PTSD means that the symptoms last for more than three months. This type can have a big effect on relationships and daily life.

  • Complex PTSD

This type results from extended exposure to trauma, such as continuous maltreatment. It includes symptoms of PTSD as well as challenges in handling emotions and self-identity.

Connection Between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Disorder Syndromes

There are generally five types of post-traumatic syndromes. One of which is PTSD disorder.

On average, about 1 in 3 people who experience severe trauma are potentially at risk of developing the disorder. 

Those living with post-traumatic syndrome commonly struggle with flashbacks and nightmares. One may also feel a strong urge to avoid reminders of the trauma, heightened anxiety and alertness, and difficulty sleeping as well as concentrating.

Another common experience for those diagnosed with post-traumatic syndrome is alterations in their mood, and they may experience negative thoughts or feelings. These can lead to ongoing and distorted beliefs about themselves or others.

People at Risk for PTSD

post-traumatic syndrome

According to the National Center for PTSD, “about 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) in the U.S. has PTSD in any given year. In 2020, about 13 million Americans had PTSD.” Additionally, the same website suggests that women are more likely than men to experience this disorder.

Nevertheless, remember that this challenging mental health condition can affect anyone. Anyone who may have experienced or witnessed trauma in any form can be at risk for this disorder. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of trauma, especially if it involves family violence, abuse, physical or sexual assault, or severe neglect.

Additionally, this disorder might affect people who experienced severe accidents or natural disasters and had a very difficult time. Additional groups commonly affected by this disorder include:

  • First Responders.
  • Healthcare professionals who deal with the aftermath of traumatic injuries or illnesses.
  • Those who have a personal or family history of mental health illness
  • Those who suddenly lose a loved one.
  • Veterans and active-duty service members.

Please note: If the trauma is chronic in nature, it can develop into C-PTSD, which is PTSD in severe mode as explained below.

What is Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)?

C-PTSD is another stage of mental illness that can develop over time, especially after prolonged or repeated trauma. It could be facing repeated abuse or captivity, where the escape is impossible or difficult. 

While sharing core symptoms with PTSD, Complex PTSD goes a step further. It often involves significant struggles with emotional regulation and a deep-seated distrust in everyone around you.

One may even have feelings of emptiness or hopelessness. Individuals might struggle with their sense of self and personal relationships. That’s why it’s recommended that they get themselves treated for PTSD as soon as possible.

When To See A Doctor?

If your thoughts and feelings concerning a traumatic incident have been bothersome for more than a month, especially if they are intense, you should discuss them with a mental health expert or your healthcare provider. 

In addition, if you are having difficulty regaining control of your life, you should also consult with a medical practitioner. Getting therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as soon as possible will help avoid the symptoms from becoming more severe.

Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:

If you or someone you know is dealing with this disorder, it’s important to remember that help is available, so try not to feel overwhelmed. With the right treatment and approach, one can successfully heal and recover.

Note: You must always consult a healthcare professional to get immediate help. Only professional assistance can support even these.

1. Medications

Treatment of PTSD

Medication options like antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and prazosin, as prescribed by a professional, help manage different aspects of PTSD. The common reason your doctor may prescribe it to you is to manage depression, relieve severe anxiety and related problems, and reduce or suppress nightmares.

Although during the treatment of PTSD these medications are prescribed only for the short term, they have the power to calm your mind and make you stay peaceful. The doctor will also suggest the appropriate medication and dosage needed for long-term recovery.

2. Psychotherapy

Treatment of PTSD: Psychotherapy

The next option is to consider undergoing psychotherapy if your doctor recommends you do so. Some of the recommended therapy approaches are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy (PE), or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). 

While CBT helps patients identify and modify thought patterns leading to distressing emotions and behaviors, PE exposes individuals to trauma memories in a safe environment to ultimately process and reduce distress.

Lastly, EMDR therapy takes a unique approach to healing past traumas. It uses eye movements or gentle back-and-forth tapping. This treatment of PTSD method unlocks the brain’s own potential for healing, allowing you to move forward from difficult experiences.

3. Lifestyle modification 

Treatment of PTSD: Lifestyle modification

Our lifestyle plays an important role in whatever happens in our lives, be it positive or negative. When we make appropriate lifestyle modifications, we receive several benefits, including excellent health and staying physically fit.

Individuals may even get help with post-traumatic disorders when they make some adjustments to their lifestyles. This includes doing regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and practicing mindfulness.

Conclusion:

In the end, remember that, in addition to getting the above treatment, people with post-traumatic disorder can always seek help from a peer support group. Talking to someone who’s “been there” can make a world of difference.

Also, recovery from PTSD is a marathon, not a sprint. It will take some time, and you and your patience and compassion towards yourself can lead you to full recovery. If any of your loved ones are struggling with this condition, it’s important to offer your support and assistance, understand their situation, and take care of them during difficult times.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I prepare for a PTSD appointment?

Make a list of any symptoms you’ve been experiencing and for how long. Include any incidents or situations that made you feel extremely afraid, powerless, or horrified.

  • How can I reduce my risk of developing PTSD?

Feeling supported by family, friends, or others after a distressing incident helps lower the chance of getting PTSD.

  • Is it possible to recover from PTSD?

Yes, there are treatments for PTSD that work. Most people who are exposed to things that could be upsetting do not develop PTSD.

  • Is PTSD neurological or psychological?

PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms and behaviors are caused by changes in the brain, NOT by something bad that happened to the person. Friends and family can better understand that their loved one’s symptoms are not their fault if they know about the changes.

Sources

  • https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
  • https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/causes/
  • https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/
  • https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp

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