PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder which occurs after a traumatic event. Patient re-experiences some aspects of the trauma. He avoids any queues related to the trauma. There is an avoidance of thoughts, feelings, conversations, activities, individuals or places that are reminders. There is inability to recall portions of trauma. There is decreased interest in pleasurable activities detachment or estrangement from others, restricted feeling off emotions. Re experiences occur in form of repeated thoughts, images relating to the trauma, nightmare. Those symptoms were followed by heightened anxiety level and feeling of fear. The body symptoms of that state include increased muscle tension fast heartbeat, sweating hyper sensitivity to noise and feeling jumpy. The traumatic event is in the event that in war actual or threatened that all serious injury or a threat to the physical integrity of self war others. The person responds this with intense fear, helplessness or horror.
62% of patients of PTSD also have another psychiatric diagnosis for example generalized anxiety disorder simple phobia. There is increase risk of obsessive compulsive disorder, dysthymic disorder, depression alcohol abuse simple phobia.
Majority of people who witnessed trauma recovered from it naturally. One to 9% of people in general population suffer from PTSD. Women are twice more likely to develop the disorder than men.Post-traumatic stress disorder scientists have found a small decrease in the size of part of the brain called the hippocampus.
Pharmacological treatment includes antidepressant combined with psychological treatment. Psychological treatment includes trauma focus cognitive behavior’s therapy. Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) is also effective.
PSTD
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.
It 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. People may experience a range of reactions after trauma, and most people recover from initial symptoms over time. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD.
Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes combat veterans and people who have experienced or witnessed a physical or sexual assault, abuse, an accident, a disaster, or other serious events. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger.
Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Sometimes, learning that a friend or family member experienced trauma can cause PTSD.
According to the National Center for PTSD , a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about six out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men. Certain aspects of the traumatic event and some biological factors (such as genes) may make some people more likely to develop PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic event, but they sometimes emerge later. To meet the criteria for PTSD, a person must have symptoms for longer than 1 month, and the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with aspects of daily life, such as relationships or work. The symptoms also must be unrelated to medication, substance use, or other illness.
The course of the disorder varies. Some people recover within 6 months, while others have symptoms that last for 1 year or longer. People with PTSD often have co-occurring conditions, such as depression, substance use, or one or more anxiety disorders.
After a dangerous event, it is natural to have some symptoms. For example, some people may feel detached from the experience, as though they are observing things rather than experiencing them. A mental health professional who has experience helping people with PTSD, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker, can determine whether symptoms meet the criteria for PTSD.
To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month.
At least one re-experiencing symptom
At least one avoidance symptom
At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
At least two cognition and mood symptoms
Re-experiencing symptoms include:
Experiencing flashbacks—reliving the traumatic event, including physical symptoms such as a racing heart or sweating
Having recurring memories or dreams related to the event
Having distressing thoughts
Experiencing physical signs of stress
Thoughts and feelings can trigger these symptoms, as can words, objects, or situations that are reminders of the event.
Avoidance symptoms include:
Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience
Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event
Avoidance symptoms may cause people to change their routines. For example, some people may avoid driving or riding in a car after a serious car accident.
Arousal and reactivity symptoms include:
Being easily startled
Feeling tense, on guard, or on edge
Having difficulty concentrating
Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Feeling irritable and having angry or aggressive outbursts
Engaging in risky, reckless, or destructive behavior
Arousal symptoms are often constant. They can lead to feelings of stress and anger and may interfere with parts of daily life, such as sleeping, eating, or concentrating.
Cognition and mood symptoms include:
Having trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
Having negative thoughts about oneself or the world
Having exaggerated feelings of blame directed toward oneself or others
Having ongoing negative emotions, such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame
Losing interest in enjoyable activities
Having feelings of social isolation
Having difficulty feeling positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction
Cognition and mood symptoms can begin or worsen after the traumatic event. They can lead a person to feel detached from friends or family members.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Children and teens can have extreme reactions to trauma, but some of their symptoms may not be the same as those seen in adults. In children younger than age 6, these symptoms can include:
Wetting the bed after having learned to use the toilet
Forgetting how to talk or being unable to talk
Acting out the scary event during playtime
Being unusually clingy with a parent or other adult
Older children and teens usually show symptoms more like those seen in adults. They also may develop disruptive, disrespectful, or destructive behaviors. Older children and teens may feel guilty for not preventing injury or deaths. They may also have thoughts of revenge.
Learn more about how to help children and adolescents cope with disasters and other traumatic events.
Not everyone who lives through a dangerous event develops PTSD—many factors play a part. Some of these factors are present before the trauma; others become important during and after a traumatic event.
Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD include:
Being exposed to previous traumatic experiences, particularly during childhood
Getting hurt or seeing people hurt or killed
Feeling horror, helplessness, or extreme fear
Having little or no social support after the event
Dealing with extra stress after the event, such as loss of a loved one, pain and injury, or loss of a job or home
Having a personal or family history of mental illness or substance use
a close-up of a brain scan
Resilience factors that may reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD include:
Seeking out support from friends, family, or support groups
Learning to feel okay with one’s actions in response to a traumatic event
Having a coping strategy for getting through and learning from the traumatic event
Being prepared and able to respond to upsetting events as they occur, despite feeling fear
It is important for anyone with PTSD symptoms to work with a mental health professional who has experience treating PTSD. The main treatments are psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of psychotherapy and medications. A mental health professional can help people find the best treatment plan for their symptoms and needs.
Some people with PTSD, such as those in abusive relationships, may be living through ongoing trauma. In these cases, treatment is usually most effective when it addresses both the traumatic situation and the symptoms of PTSD. People who experience traumatic events or who have PTSD also may experience panic disorder, depression, substance use, or suicidal thoughts. Treatment for these conditions can help with recovery after trauma. Research shows that support from family and friends also can be an important part of recovery.