About PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in response to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include but are not limited to, natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual assault, combat, or witnessing a life-threatening event. PTSD can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds and can occur shortly after the traumatic event or months to years later. Here’s an overview of PTSD and some common signs and symptoms:
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can be grouped into four main categories:
Intrusive Symptoms
Individuals may experience intrusive thoughts, memories, or flashbacks of the traumatic event. These thoughts or memories can be distressing and may feel as if the trauma is happening again.
Avoidance
People with PTSD may avoid reminders of the traumatic event, including places, people, activities, or situations that trigger distressing memories or emotions associated with the trauma.
Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood
PTSD can lead to negative changes in beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world. Individuals may experience feelings of guilt, shame, or detachment from others, as well as persistent negative emotions such as fear, anger, or sadness.
Changes in Arousal and Reactivity
Individuals with PTSD may experience heightened arousal or reactivity to triggers associated with the trauma. This can manifest as irritability, anger outbursts, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, or exaggerated startle response.
Diagnosis of PTSD
To be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must persist for at least one month and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. A diagnosis of PTSD is typically made by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, based on a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, history of trauma exposure, and impact on daily functioning.
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop PTSD following a traumatic event, certain factors may increase the risk, including:
- The severity and duration of the traumatic event can influence the likelihood of developing PTSD. Events that are prolonged, life-threatening, or involve interpersonal violence are more likely to result in PTSD.
- Pre-existing factors such as genetics, temperament, childhood adversity, or prior trauma can increase an individual’s vulnerability to developing PTSD following a traumatic event.
- Limited social support or a lack of access to supportive relationships or resources can exacerbate the impact of trauma and increase the risk of developing PTSD.
- Concurrent stressors such as ongoing life stress, financial difficulties, or other life disruptions can compound the effects of trauma and increase the risk of PTSD.
Treatment for PTSD
Effective treatments for PTSD include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Evidence-based psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy (PE), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have been shown to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving functioning.
Getting Help for PTSD
If you believe you may have PTSD or are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Call Us here at Momentum Therapy. We can match you with a trauma expert to help you on the path to healing.