Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Overview

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a common mental disorder that can develop after experiencing a shocking, traumatic, dangerous or scary event. If someone experiences PTSD, they often reminisce about the traumatic occurrence through flashbacks and nightmares, leading to experiencing feelings of irritability, isolation, and guilt. Additionally, it can also result in severe insomnia and ADHD.

What is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a prevalent mental health disorder that an individual experiences after witnessing extremely traumatic circumstances. These traumatic events pose a significant threat to one’s physical, spiritual, or emotional well-being and can also be life-threatening.

Impacting people of all ages, PTSD leads to intense, persistent thoughts and emotions related to the traumatic experience, even after a long time. Common symptoms of PTSD include anxiety, depression, flashbacks, feelings of guilt or shame, or nightmares.

People may also avoid places, situations, and activities related to the traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD can disrupt daily life, causing significant emotional distress and interfering with regular activities and relationships.

Types of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

There are five types of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder:

Normal Stress Response: This type of PTSD ensues before the full disorder develops and it does not always lead up to the full-blown disorder. It is a reaction to high-stress events like injuries, accidents or surgeries. This can be managed effectively by support from loved ones and therapy. Recovery is usually seen within a few weeks.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): This type of disorder is triggered by perceived life-threatening events, such as natural disasters or severe loss. If this is not treated properly, it can lead to PTSD. Individual and group therapy, intensive treatment and medication can help manage symptoms effectively.

Uncomplicated PTSD: Originating from a single traumatic event, the treatment of this type of PTSD is comparatively easy. The symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of trauma reminders related to the events and frequent mood changes. This type is typically treated with therapy and/or medication.

Complex PTSD: It is the exact opposite of the uncomplicated PTSD. Generally, it is caused by repeated trauma and is often seen in cases of domestic violence, prolonged abuse, community violence or war exposure. Symptoms include aggression, impulsivity, sexual impulsivity or substance abuse. Treatment of this disorder is more intensive with therapies such as trauma-focused eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Comorbid PTSD: Comorbid PTSD involves having more than one co-existing mental health condition. It often occurs with substance abuse. Mostly this happens because individuals try to treat their prior mental health condition with self-medication and other destructive methods. Treating both disorders simultaneously is crucial for effective recovery.

Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The symptoms of PTSD may initiate within three months of the event. In some cases, they might not surface until years after the event. These symptoms can last for over a month, often impacting social interactions, work performance, personal relationships, and the ability to carry out daily tasks.

Symptoms are typically categorised as intrusive memories, negative thoughts, avoidance, mood, and physical or emotional reactions. PTSD symptoms can vary widely between individuals and in intensity.

Causes of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can be triggered by any event that a person finds deeply distressing or traumatic. Common causes include severe road accidents, traumatic childbirth experiences, violent assaults such as mugging, sexual assault, or robbery, major health crises, and. PTSD can develop after several weeks, months, or years later or even immediately after a traumatic event.

It is estimated that approximately one in three individuals who undergo a traumatic experience will develop PTSD. However, why certain individuals develop this condition while others remain uncertain and may involve a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

Diagnosis of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

For Post-traumatic Stress Disorder diagnosis and tests, an individual must exhibit at least one symptom of re-experiencing, three symptoms related to avoidance, two symptoms involving negative changes in mood and cognition, and two symptoms of hyperarousal. These symptoms should persist for a minimum of one month and significantly impair the individual's ability to carry out daily activities. Experts at some institutions use several questions and scales of rating to analyse if an individual fulfils the criteria of diagnosis for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

Treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), is the primary Post-traumatic Stress Disorder treatment and involves working with a licensed mental health professional. These can include a psychiatrist or psychologist. Through this approach, individuals receive education, support, and guidance to help improve their daily functioning and overall well-being. Several specialised CBT therapies have proven effective for PTSD, including:

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Developed specifically for PTSD, CPT helps people address painful emotions like guilt or shame and shift harmful beliefs related to the trauma. This therapy also aids in confronting and managing disturbing emotions and memories linked to the event.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy involves some specific movement of the eyes when processing traumatic memories to facilitate healing from trauma more quickly than some traditional methods. Although relatively new, research has shown EMDR to be effective in many cases of trauma recovery.

Group Therapy: Group therapy allows trauma survivors with shared experiences to come together in a safe and supportive setting to share their stories and feelings. Family therapy may also be beneficial, as PTSD symptoms can impact family dynamics and well-being.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy: This method involves confronting trauma-related thoughts, emotions, and situations in a safe, controlled way through repeated, detailed exposure, allowing individuals to regain control over their fears.

Trauma-Focused CBT: This therapy focuses on understanding the body's trauma response and reframing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. It incorporates exposure therapy alongside learning the skills to manage symptoms.

Preventive Measures for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Not everyone who encounters a traumatic event will go on to develop PTSD. Certain protective factors at the individual level can help prevent PTSD or lessen its impact. Key factors include staying connected with supportive people in your life, viewing yourself as a survivor rather than a victim, and engaging in activities that foster positive emotions.

Finding constructive meaning in the trauma, helping others in their healing journeys, and believing in your own ability to manage emotions and cope effectively can also provide resilience against PTSD and support emotional recovery.

Myths and Facts Related to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Here are some common myths and facts about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

Myth 1: Traumatic Events Always Lead to PTSD
Fact: While traumatic events can increase the likelihood of PTSD, not everyone who experiences a trauma will surely have it. Factors like access to social support, added stress, and family history of mental health conditions all play a key role if someone will develop PTSD or not.

Myth 2: PTSD Stems from Personal Weakness
Fact: PTSD is a response to overwhelming events and arises from a combination of environmental, social, and biological factors. Having PTSD, like any mental health condition, is not a sign of weakness but rather a natural reaction to significant circumstances.

Myth 3: PTSD is Not Treatable
Fact: Effective treatments, including therapies and medications, can significantly reduce symptoms and enhance the quality of life for people with PTSD.

Myth 4: Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is Milder Than Other Forms
Fact: C-PTSD, often due to repeated trauma, can be as impactful as other forms of PTSD. Comparing different types of PTSD or labelling one as more severe than another can contribute to the myth. Each person’s experience and condition deserve individual understanding and support.