Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder caused by exposure to extreme stress. It can be brought on by various forms of trauma such as sexual assault, physical assault, or natural disasters. It is associated with a range of symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hyper-vigilance.
This disorder can become increasingly severe over time, and PTSD symptoms can include problems with memory, sleep, concentration, emotions, and behavior. Early recognition and treatment can prevent the development of long-term feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that often accompany it.
Since mental health has evolved into a much more precise science through improved research methodologies, screening tools have been developed to help identify PTSD symptoms and associated mental health problems early. Once symptoms are identified, the disorder can be mitigated and managed through therapy.
Causes of PTSD
PTSD is a disorder that is triggered by an event. It can be a traumatic event, like being in combat, witnessing violence, or sexual abuse. It can also be a more common event, like natural disasters or car crashes. The causes of PTSD are categorized as acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and acute psychotic episodes.
- Acute stress disorder - This occurs less than one month after the event. Acute stress disorder is caused by a traumatic event. It can be a single event or series of events, but the person involved should be in proximity to or directly involved with the event. The symptoms include feeling irritable and restless, difficulty concentrating, dissociative episodes, panic attacks, and trouble sleeping.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder - This occurs between one and six months after the event. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that can develop after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD usually present within the first month following the event, but sometimes they can take years to appear. PTSD is often accompanied by depression and substance abuse. PTSD can occur after one experiences or witnesses an event that produces feelings of terror, horror, and helplessness.
- Acute psychotic episode - Post-traumatic acute psychotic episode is often referred to as "psychotic break." A person with this condition will experience extreme confusion, hallucinations, and delusions. They are often more sensitive to light and sound and they usually cannot recognize what they see or hear. This condition can be very serious if it is not handled correctly because people who have it might have suicidal thoughts. Post-traumatic acute psychotic episodes are becoming increasingly common with the increase in violent crimes around the world. Symptoms of the disorder can include hearing voices and having trouble distinguishing between what is real and imaginary.
How PTSD Affects a Person
PTSD has three main symptoms: nightmares; flashbacks; and avoidance. While the individual may feel emotionally numb, the sufferer can be exhausted by feelings of anger and guilt. The person can also have a constant sense of threat and have difficulty concentrating on anything other than the traumatic event.
Other related symptoms associated with PTSD include obsessive thoughts or feelings of guilt. These symptoms can cause people to feel on edge or irritable and they lash out at others. Since people with PTSD have recurring memories when they lie in bed trying to fall asleep and because they are scared that they will have disturbing dreams after they go to sleep, they may have trouble sleeping well at night, which causes symptoms associated with sleep deprivation.
PTSD can be really difficult to live with and it can also impact people’s daily lives, social relationships, and performance at work. Some people with this disorder find common aspects of daily events difficult to deal with. For instance, they may go out of their way to avoid noisy streets and traffic because they were traumatized by hearing a bomb explode near them when on a military tour of duty. This makes it difficult for them to travel around a busy city. They are often unresponsive in various social relationships, finding it difficult to relate to others because they feel so detached or numb. People mistake this behavior as aloofness, coldness, or indifference.
Treating and Managing PTSD
Many people who suffer from PTSD do not get professional treatment because they don't know where to go or are afraid of judgment from others. Treatment for PTSD usually includes psychotherapy or talk therapy provided by a licensed professional. These therapies are one-on-one sessions that allow people to share their feelings and experiences in a safe environment. There are also medications that can be prescribed to reduce the symptoms of PTSD such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. PTSD is a debilitating problem that affects many individuals, but it can be treated effectively if discovered early.