Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – causes, symptoms, treatment [EXPLAINED]

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Have you ever had a traumatic experience, been involved in a car accident, been the victim of an assault? Or maybe you witnessed the catastrophe? Probably for a long time after this event you could not recover. We explain why this happened below.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – what is it?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, major accident, terrorist act, war, rape, or other violent personal attack.

In the past, post-traumatic stress disorder has been known by many names, such as “bullet shock” during World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II. It is worth noting that PTSD does not only apply to combat veterans.

PTSD can affect all people, people of all ethnicities, nationalities, or cultures, and all ages. It is estimated that one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD at a lifetime. Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD as men.

People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings about their experience that last long after the traumatic event is over. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares, and may feel sad, fear or angry.

People with PTSD may avoid situations or people that remind them of a traumatic event and may experience strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as loud noise or accidental touch.

Diagnosing PTSD requires exposure to a shocking traumatic event. However, exposure may be indirect. For example, PTSD can occur in a person who learns of the violent death of a close family. It can also occur from repeated exposure to terrible details of the trauma, such as exposure of police officers to the details of child abuse incidents. PTSD requires psychological help. Remember that you can use the help of a psychologist without having to visit the clinic and leave your home. Consultation may take place online via the halodoctor.pl portal.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – diagnosis

In accordance with the assumptions of DSM-IV, the diagnosis of PTSD assumes the fulfillment of several conditions:

A. The person has had a traumatic event in which the following factors were present:

1. experiencing, witnessing or facing an event or events that included death, serious injury or threat thereof, or a threat to the physical integrity of the person or others.
2. the response was intense fear, helplessness, or terror.

B. An offending experience is persistently relived in one (or more) of the following ways:

1. recurring, intrusive, and distressing memories of events, including images, thoughts, and feelings. Toddlers may have repetitive play activities involving themes or aspects of events that cause trauma.
2. recurring, disturbing dreams about the event. Scary dreams with no recognizable content can occur in children.
3. acting or feeling emotions as if the event causing the injury was repeating itself [include feeling of reliving the event, delusions, hallucinations, and dissociative episodes of reminiscence (flashback), those when awake or intoxicated]. In young children, role re-enactment specific to the event causing the trauma may occur,
4. strong psychological anxiety when exposed to internal or external signals that symbolize or resemble a traumatic event,
5. psychological response to exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble a traumatic event.

C. Persistent avoidance of stimuli related to the event causing the injury and reduction of overall response (which is not noticeable before the injury) as indicated by the following three (or more) factors:

1. attempting to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations related to the event that caused the trauma
2. attempting to avoid activities, places or people evoking memories of the trauma,
3. inability to recall important aspects of the injury,
4. significant reduction in interest or participation in important activities, feeling detached or alienated from others,
5. limited range of emotions (e.g. inability to feel love),
6. feeling of lack of prospects for the future (e.g. the person does not expect to have a career, get married, have children, or have a normal life expectancy).

D. Persistent symptoms of increased agitation (not present before the injury) as indicated by two (or more) of the following factors:

1. difficulty falling asleep or continuing to sleep
2. nervousness or outbursts of anger
3. difficulty concentrating
4. excessive vigilance,
5. over-reaction to surprise,
6. the duration of the disorder (symptoms of criteria B, C and D) is over 1 month,
7. the disorder causes clinically significant suffering or disorder in occupational, social, or other important areas of functioning.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children

In children – especially very young children – PTSD symptoms may differ from those in adults and may include:

1. fear of separation from the parent,
2. loss of previously acquired skills (e.g. learning to use the toilet),
3. sleep problems and nightmares,
4. gloomy, compulsive play in which the topics or aspects of the trauma are repeated,
5. new phobias and fears that seem unrelated to the trauma (such as fear of monsters)
6. role-playing trauma through play, stories or drawings,
7. various pains for no apparent reason,
8. irritability and aggression.

Post-traumatic stress disorder – risk factors

While it’s impossible to predict who will develop PTSD in response to trauma, there are some risk factors that make it more susceptible. Many risk factors relate to the very nature of the traumatic event. Traumatic events are more likely to cause PTSD when they are associated with a serious threat to life or personal safety: the more extreme and prolonged the threat, the greater the risk of PTSD in response.

Intentional human harm – such as rape, assault and torture – is also more traumatic than “natural disasters” or more impersonal accidents and catastrophes. The extent to which the traumatic event was unexpected, uncontrolled and inevitable also plays a significant role.

Other risk factors for PTSD include:

1. previous traumatic experiences, especially in early life,
2. family history of PTSD,
3. a history of physical or sexual abuse
4. addiction history,
5. a history of depression, anxiety disorder, or other mental illness.

See: Mental illnesses shorten life by up to 10 years

Do you want to get specialist help? Make a quick online appointment with a psychiatrist.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – treatment

Recovery from PTSD is a gradual, ongoing process. Full recovery does not happen overnight, and memories of trauma never completely disappear. Life can seem hard at times. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to deal with any remaining symptoms and reduce your anxiety and fear.

Eliminating feelings of helplessness is the key to overcoming PTSD. Trauma makes you feel powerless and vulnerable. It’s important to remember that you have strengths and coping skills to help you get through difficult times.

One of the best ways to regain a sense of inner power is to help others: help others, your loved ones and those in need, donate blood, reach out to a friend in need or make a donation to your favorite charity. Taking positive action directly undermines the feeling of helplessness that is a common symptom of PTSD.

Positive ways to deal with PTSD:

1. learn more about trauma and PTSD,
2. join the PTSD support group,
3. use relaxation techniques,
4. engage in physical activity, especially outdoors,
5. try to trust yourself
6. spend time with friends,
7. avoid alcohol and other stimulants,
8. enjoy the peace of nature.

Also read: Relaxation techniques – meditation

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – physical activity

When you suffer from PTSD, exercise can do more than just release endorphins and improve your mood. By focusing on your body and how you feel when you move, exercise can actually help your nervous system “break free” and relieve stress. So try to do:

1. rhythmic exercises involving both arms and legs – such as walking, running, swimming or dancing. Instead of focusing on your thoughts, focus on how your body is feeling
2. rock climbing, boxing, strength training or martial arts these activities can help you focus on your body movements
3. spend time in nature – Performing outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, and skiing helps veterans deal with the symptoms of PTSD and return to civilian life. Anyone with PTSD can take advantage of the relaxation, seclusion and tranquility that come with being in nature. Look for local organizations that offer outdoor recreation or team building opportunities.

Also check: Friends influence children’s physical activity

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – don’t be shy to ask for help from others

PTSD can make you feel inferior to others, and you will avoid contact with your loved ones and friends. In this condition, it is very important to stay connected with life and the people who care about you. You don’t need to talk about your trauma if you don’t want to, but caring support and the company of others is essential to your recovery.

Get in touch with someone you can talk to bluntly with, someone who will listen when you want to talk, without judging, criticizing, or being constantly distracted. This person can be a significant other, family member, friend or professional therapist. You can also:

1. volunteer or contact a friend in need. Not only is this a great way to connect with others, it can also help you regain your sense of control.
2. join a PTSD support group, it can help you feel less isolated and lonely and also provide invaluable information on managing the symptoms of the condition.

No matter how close you are, the symptoms of PTSD that make your nervous system feel “blocked” can also make it difficult to communicate with others. If you still don’t feel better after talking to others, there are ways to help with the process:

1. exercise or move – exercise or move before meeting a friend. Jump up and down, swing your arms and legs, or just swing. Thanks to this, the brain will work better,
2. vocal toning – strange as it sounds, toning your voice is also a great way to open up your nervous system to social engagement – as well as lower your stress hormone levels. Try to sneak out to a quiet place before talking to your friends. Sit up straight with your mouth pressed together and your teeth slightly apart, just making the “mmmm” noise. Vary the pitch and volume until you feel a pleasant vibration on your face. Exercise for a few minutes and notice if the vibrations are spreading to your heart and stomach.

Read: Cortisol – the stress hormone. What does its elevated level testify to?

Support PTSD treatment with a healthy lifestyle

The symptoms of PTSD can be difficult for the body, so it’s important to take care of yourself and develop some healthy lifestyle habits.

Take some time to relax. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, massage, or yoga can activate the body’s relaxation response and alleviate PTSD symptoms. Avoid alcohol and drugs. When you struggle with difficult emotions and traumatic memories, you may be tempted to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs.

Also, take care of a balanced and healthy diet. Consume many foods that contain vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Omega-3s play a vital role in emotional health, so include foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts in your diet. Limit processed, fried, refined starch foods, and sugars, which can increase mood swings and cause energy fluctuations.

Also remember that lack of sleep can make you angry, irritable and generally unwell. Try to sleep 7 to 9 hours during the night. Develop a relaxing bedtime ritual (listen to calming music, watch a fun program or read something light) and make your bedroom as quiet, dark and soothing as possible.

Obtaining professional help in the case of PTSD

If you suspect you or a loved one has PTSD, it’s important to seek help right away. The sooner PTSD is treated, the easier it is to overcome.

If you don’t want to seek help, remember that post-traumatic stress disorder is not a sign of weakness and that the only way to overcome it is to confront what has happened to you and learn to accept it as part of your past. The process is much easier under the guidance and support of an experienced therapist or doctor.

It’s natural to want to avoid painful memories and feelings. You can’t completely get away from your emotions – they show up under stress or every time you lose your alertness – and it’s exhausting trying to do so. Avoidance will ultimately harm your relationships, your ability to function, and the quality of your life.

Also check: Mechanisms of stress formation

Why is a quick response to PTSD so important?

Treatment early is better. PTSD symptoms may worsen. Seeking help after noticing the first symptoms can help keep the symptoms from worsening in the future.

PTSD symptoms can change family life. PTSD symptoms can disturb family life. You may find yourself isolating yourself from loved ones, unable to get along with people, angry or even aggressive. Getting help for PTSD can improve the quality of family life.

PTSD may be related to other health problems. PTSD symptoms can make physical health problems worse. For example, studies have found a link between PTSD and heart problems. Getting help for PTSD can also improve your physical health.

Read: Civilization diseases – heart diseases

Terapia PTSD

PTSD treatment can relieve symptoms by helping you deal with the trauma you’ve experienced. Your doctor or therapist will encourage you to remember and process the emotions you felt during the original traumatic event.

During treatment, you will also learn about your thoughts and feelings about the trauma, work through your guilt and distrust, learn to deal with intrusive memories, and to solve the problems that PTSD has caused in your life and relationships.

The types of treatments available for PTSD include:

1. cognitive behavioral therapy – trauma-focused therapy involves gradual exposure to feelings and situations that remind you of the trauma and replacing distorted and irrational thoughts about the experience with a more balanced image,
2. family therapy – it can help your loved ones understand what you are going through and help you solve your relationship problems together as a family.
3. medications – are sometimes prescribed for people with PTSD to relieve secondary symptoms of depression and anxiety.