What is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises after one has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event perceived as emotionally, physically harmful, or life-threatening.
Those affected endure lingering distressing thoughts and emotions, persisting long after the traumatic incident.
Types of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be of different types and is evaluated based on the severity of an individual’s symptoms.
One might experience short-term stress, while others might develop chronic trauma.
Acute Stress Disorder
Acute stress generally affects individuals after exposure to a traumatic event. This form of stress can be considered a short-term mental health condition that can cause someone anxiety or depression.
Symptoms like irritability, mood swings, nightmares, fatigue, and changes in appetite must last longer than a month to be termed post-traumatic stress disorder.
It also includes feelings of guilt or shame related to the trauma and difficulty maintaining close relationships.
Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
CPTSD is a mental health disorder and a form of post-traumatic stress disorder that occurs if someone experiences chronic or long-term trauma.
When a child gets physically or sexually abused for a long period or a woman experiences long-term domestic violence, it leads to developing complex PTSD.
This disorder has symptoms like PTSD in addition to chronic problems with emotion regulation, relationships, and sense of self.
Signs & Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic events can leave a lasting struggle with emotions, causing PTSD. It is a condition that can disrupt one’s daily life and leave them feeling constantly on edge.
The signs and symptoms of PTSD can help in recognizing the problem and further planning a PTSD treatment strategy.
Intrusive Memories
Intrusive memories are the flashbacks of traumatic moments. These are unwanted memories that occur frequently and cause emotional distress.
Recurring memories can be so realistic that individuals may get the same sights, sounds, smells, and physical sensations associated with the event. These memories can trigger strong negative emotions like fear, anxiety, or anger.
Avoidance
Individuals may avoid any place, people, activities, objects, or situation that may remind them about the distressing event. They might even avoid thinking about or remembering the traumatic situation.
They may resist getting help or talking about what happened to them and how it affected them emotionally. They isolate themselves and suppress how they feel about it.
Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood
The traumatic event often leaves emotional scars, causing the development of negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves. Individuals with PTSD generally struggle with memory gaps about the event.
They might get distorted thinking that can lead to feelings of blame or guilt, while intense emotions like fear, anger, or shame can be overwhelming. They often experience intense mood changes with the slightest indication of the event.
They feel detached from others and no longer enjoy any activities.
Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions
The physical and emotional changes an individual with PTSD struggles with include frequent outbursts of anger and behaving recklessly in a self-destructive way. They get overly sensitive and watchful of their surroundings and suspect everyone.
Getting easily startled or having difficulty sleeping or concentrating are some of the physical changes.
Symptoms of PTSD in Children
Identifying PTSD symptoms among children is relatively difficult, as they might not understand the traumatic event they experienced or express it properly.
However, there are a few signs that parents need to be attentive to, like restless or fidgeting behaviours, difficulty concentrating, and staying organized.
These symptoms are often confused with ADHD, so it’s crucial to consult a child specialist who has experience in treating PTSD.
PTSD Symptoms in Women
Women are more likely to experience symptoms of PTSD for a longer period before seeking professional help. The symptoms of PTSD include getting flashbacks or distressing thoughts, being easily startled, difficulty sleeping, engaging in harmful behaviours, and frequent outbursts.
Women with PTSD often stay away from social gatherings as that might remind them of the event.
Intensity of PTSD Symptoms
The intensity of PTSD symptoms often increases over time if not treated. One might get heightened feelings of stress or anxiety if they come across anything that reminds them of the event.
They might behave aggressively or spiral into distressing thoughts. They might engage in self-harming behaviours. Even the slightest reminder of the event can have catastrophic effects on an individual.
Causes of PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition that can affect an individual after experiencing or learning about any traumatic event that might involve death, severe injury, or sexual violation.
Direct Exposure to Trauma
Direct exposure is when one goes through a life-threatening or terrifying situation like an assault, accident, or war. Direct exposure to trauma is one of the primary causes of PTSD.
It also includes witnessing a traumatic event in person that happened to someone else, which can also be a trigger for PTSD.
Lack of Support After Traumatic Events
After experiencing a traumatic event, an individual needs to feel heard, believed, and validated; without support from friends and family, one loses a safe space to express emotions and process the experience.
They isolate themselves, which hinders them from healing emotionally. Lack of effective coping mechanisms, one cannot manage overwhelming emotions, and memories associated with trauma can lead to PTSD.
Neurotransmitter and Hormonal Imbalances
Research suggests that neurotransmitters and hormonal imbalances might play a role in the development of PTSD.
Individuals suffering from PTSD have lower levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, neurotransmitters responsible for stress and emotional regulation. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can be dysregulated.
These imbalances can contribute to various symptoms of PTSD.
Brain Structure and Function Alterations
Changes in brain structure and functions don’t directly cause PTSD, but they can contribute to the severity and persistence of symptoms.
Experiencing a traumatic event can trigger a stress response in the brain, leading to changes in the functioning and structure of certain brain regions.
These changes can cause symptoms of PTSD like intrusive memories, hypervigilance, and difficulty regulating emotions.
Inherited Mental Health Risks
Multiple studies suggest that genes play a role in a person’s vulnerability to PTSD. It might influence how the brain processes fear and stress, making some individuals susceptible to PTSD.
The development of PTSD is complex and influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. Direct exposure is the main trigger, but genes can influence how someone responds to the event.
Diagnosis and Tests for PTSD
To make an accurate diagnosis, a healthcare provider might ask about your symptoms, medical history, and exposure to trauma. As there is no test to diagnose PTSD, it affects the accuracy of the diagnosis.
However, a specialist can evaluate the response given by an individual to deliver a diagnosis. One must struggle with various symptoms of PTSD for over a month, like intrusive thoughts, mood changes, avoidance, and reactivity or arousal, to get a diagnosis of PTSD.
Healthcare providers might conduct a physical examination and blood test to rule out any physical cause of your symptoms.
PTSD Self-Testing
While self-testing for PTSD can raise awareness of your symptoms but cannot provide a diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis can only be provided by a mental health professional.
At Cadabam’s Hospital, we have multiple questionnaires on our website that one can take to assess their symptoms. The questions are designed to evaluate your symptoms.
After taking the self-test, you will receive an email regarding your diagnosis, and our team will reach out to you to help you and provide the support you require.
Factors Increasing PTSD Risk
One cannot predict the development of PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event, but there are certain types of traumas that increase the chances. An individual who has experienced military combat or sexual assault are prone to developing PTSD.
A traumatic childhood, serious injury, lack of support after a traumatic event, and repeated trauma increase the risk of PTSD. Certain mental health conditions and substance abuse can lead to the condition.
Types of Traumatic Events Leading to PTSD
There are many traumatic events that can lead to PTSD, such as physical and sexual assault, acts of violence, and serious accidents that can be life-threatening. Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods can be terrifying and cause loss.
Military personnel and civilians caught in war zones are at high risk of developing the condition. Childhood abuse, witnessing a traumatic event, and repeated exposure to traumatic details can also cause PTSD.
Complications of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder can significantly impact one’s daily life. Individuals with PTSD have strained relationships as they struggle to connect emotionally, become avoidant, or experience irritability.
Their professional life takes a dip, and their health starts to deteriorate. The chance of developing mental health conditions increases with PTSD.
Their trauma might cause them to consume drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Individuals often get suicidal thoughts and are involved in dangerous behaviours.
Management and Treatment of PTSD
PTSD is a treatable mental health condition. With the right approach, one can significantly improve their symptoms and overall well-being.
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy) for PTSD
Talk therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can help an individual overcome PTSD. This therapy is conducted by an expert like a psychologist or psychiatrist who helps individuals process their trauma.
They provide a safe and supportive space and educate them and their family members on how to help in the recovery process.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for PTSD
CBT can be an effective Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment. Assisting individuals in recognizing and altering negative thought patterns and beliefs associated with the trauma can alleviate their stress levels.
CBT also equips individuals with practical strategies to manage difficult emotions and cope with triggers.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for PTSD
EMDR is an emerging therapy method that helps individuals process their traumatic experiences. This therapy involves the movement of the eye in a certain way while processing the traumatic thoughts.
The goal is to help the brain reprocess disturbing memories from traumatic experiences. The therapist will guide the patient through the process.
Group Therapy for PTSD
When a group of people with similar experiences share their journey, it empowers an individual. Group therapy for PTSD is a safe and non-judgmental space where different people share how they cope with PTSD.
This encourages an individual to process the trauma and form a support system.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD
During this therapy, an individual is repeatedly exposed to the trauma by imagining every detail of that event or exposed to triggers in a safe and controlled manner.
This allows them to face their fear and learn how to cope with it. They learn to control their anxiety and process their trauma.
Trauma-focused CBT for PTSD
A therapist conducting trauma-focused CBT aims at teaching an individual about how their body reacts to trauma and stress, just like exposure therapy.
They will help an individual identify the negative thinking patterns and reframe them. This therapy will equip the trauma-infused person with effective management skills.
Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
This therapy was developed to treat PTSD by addressing negative thoughts from traumatic experiences. It teaches them to challenge negative emotions due to the event, like shame and guilt, and develop a more balanced perspective on the trauma. This also allows them to confront the harrowing memories and emotions.
Medication Management for PTSD
There is no specific medication to treat PTSD currently. However, various medications are prescribed by a PTSD psychiatrist to manage the symptoms.
Some medical professionals might prescribe antidepressants like SSRIs or SNRIs to deal with depression, while anti-anxiety medications are also prescribed to manage anxious behaviours.
When to See a Doctor for PTSD ?
If the symptoms of PTSD persist for over a month after the traumatic event, it’s important to seek professional help.
The symptoms might include flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance, negative thoughts, feeling on edge, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Consult with a professional if these symptoms start to interfere with daily life.
What Type of Specialist Treats PTSD?
A licensed mental health professional who has experience and training in treating PTSD can help individuals with the condition. A psychiatrist can diagnose the condition and prescribe medication, while a psychologist can provide psychotherapy for PTSD.
Therapists with specialized training in trauma and clinical social workers can also provide various therapies to help manage PTSD.
When to Seek Emergency Help for PTSD
Emergency help for PTSD is required when an individual has suicidal thoughts. It’s crucial to call an emergency helpline number for help.
Some individuals with the condition might have homicidal thoughts or urges which also need urgent attention.
Severe emotional distress, dissociation, and psychosis are other situations when emergency help is required.
How Cadabam’s Hospital Treat PTSD Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common phenomenon among individuals who have experienced any traumatic event. It can significantly affect someone and intervene in their daily activities.
However, this condition is curable with the right support and PTSD treatment. At cadabams, we prioritize each of our patients and offer evidence-based treatments to help manage PTSD.
Our experts offer therapies like psychotherapy, CBT, EMDR, group therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and medication management to treat PTSD.
Cadabam’s is a renowned name in the mental healthcare sector and has been helping individuals with mental health disorders for over 30 years. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 97414 76476 or email us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.
More Useful Resources
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
Can Ptsd Cured
ptsd and ocd connection
Therapies Available for PTDS Treatment
FAQ
Is PTSD a Mental Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder develops in some people who have experienced a shocking or dangerous event. The symptoms like anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and nightmares can significantly interfere with daily life and can last for months.
What Type of Trauma Causes PTSD?
Direct exposure to traumatic events or witnessing them can cause PTSD. Events like war, violence, and physical or sexual assault can be categorized as traumatic events.
Repeated exposure to traumatic events, like hearing about child abuse, can also contribute to its development. Prolonged trauma like childhood abuse or neglect and domestic violence are other causes.
Can PTSD be Prevented?
Complete prevention of PTSD is not always possible, but there are various coping skills that can lessen the risk of developing it after a traumatic event.
Seeking professional help as soon as possible is crucial. Having a strong support system, such as family and friends, also helps.
How to Help Someone with PTSD?
To Help someone with PTSD, one needs to provide social support like being a good listener and offering emotional support. Individuals need to respect their boundary and avoid pushing them to talk about their trauma.
Be mindful of triggers and encourage professional help.
How Common is PTSD in India?
While recent data about the prevalence of PTSD in India is not available, a study conducted between 2015-2016 revealed a low prevalence of 0.24%.
Societal stigma and cultural nuances act as hindrances, and various individuals become under-identified. Even if the reported rates seem lower, PTSD is a real concern in India.
How do I Find Counselling for PTSD or a Care Centre Near Me and Start Treatment?
To find a suitable care center you need to conduct research online, evaluate reviews by the patients, and book a trial appointment to assess your needs. Check their accessibility and provision for emergency care for PTSD. Carefully evaluate all the information gathered and choose a treatment option.
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