What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that occurs after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
Individuals with PTSD often struggle with disturbing feelings related to that experience (long after the danger has passed).
These can manifest in the form of nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety, which makes it difficult to carry on with daily activities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 3.9% of people worldwide have experienced this condition at least once in their lives.
While many eventually adjust and cope with trauma, PTSD is different in that its symptoms persist and worsen over time.
Proper treatment is crucial for managing these symptoms and regaining control over their lives.
Understanding Traumatic Events
Trauma is an experience that deeply threatens your safety or sense of well-being. It can stem from a single event (a serious accident or natural disaster) or prolonged situations (such as violence or abuse)
When someone faces a traumatic event, their “fear circuitry” can activate. This often causes their prefrontal cortex to function less effectively. As a result, they might struggle to think clearly and make decisions.
Further, they experience physical changes, too. WebMD highlights that people who undergo emotional trauma are more likely to experience chronic pain, fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBC).
Studies reveal that around 70% of US adults have experienced some form of trauma at some point in their lives.
It is worth noting that trauma isn’t always something that directly happens to you. Instead, it can also be triggered by discovering trauma affecting someone close to you.
Examples include but aren’t limited to the following:
- War
- Accidents
- Abuse (physical, verbal, or sexual)
- Bullying
- Natural disasters
- Unexpected loss of a loved one
These experiences can lead to PTSD and affect one’s mental well-being long after the event.
The National Center for PTSD mentions in this regard, “For some, the symptoms can last for years, especially if they go untreated.”
Types of PTSD
The condition can manifest differently depending on how it affects an individual. Below, we discuss the 6 common PTSD types.
Normal Stress Response
Before PTSD develops, people often experience a normal stress response to the traumatic event. This doesn’t always progress into full-blown PTSD.
For instance, injuries, illnesses, and accidents can all trigger this response and lead to significant stress.
Individuals experiencing normal stress responses often manage their symptoms with support and therapy sessions. However, the recovery may take a few weeks before they resume their usual activities.
Acute Stress Disorder
Acute stress disorder isn’t identical to PTSD but can happen when someone faces a life-threatening or distressing event. If not addressed, this can progress into PTSD.
In fact, research shows that over 80% of people with ASD develop PTSD within six months. However, therapy – both group and individual sessions – and medication can help manage the symptoms of ASD and reduce the risk of having PTSD.
Uncomplicated PTSD
Uncomplicated PTSD is associated with a single significant traumatic event. It is generally easier to treat compared to other forms of PTSD.
Symptoms may include:
- Irritability
- Changes in mood
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma
- Nightmares
Treatment options for this PTSD type include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Therapy helps individuals process trauma and learn coping strategies. Medications, on the other hand, allow one to manage related symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Disassociative PTSD
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Dissociative-type PTSD involves typical PTSD symptoms along with recurring dissociative episodes. These include:
- Depersonalization. Individuals feel disconnected from their body and mind
- Derealization. The world seems unreal and disassociated from reality.
This type of PTSD is often seen in those who have endured childhood trauma or severe abuse.
If untreated, dissociation can lead to ongoing difficulties with attention, memory lapses, and impairment in daily life.
Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD stems from multiple traumatic events (unlike uncomplicated PTSD).
It may occur after experiencing prolonged domestic violence, abuse, and repeated exposure to war or sudden, severe losses.
Treating complex PTSD typically requires an intensive approach since several events are responsible for its trigger. Individuals with this type of PTSD may exhibit behavioral challenges like:
- Impulsivity
- Substance abuse
- Aggression
Besides, intense emotional struggles like depression and severe anxiety are also some common symptoms.
Comorbid PTSD
Comorbid PTSD refers to the presence of multiple health conditions (like depression, anxiety, and disruptive behavior disorders) occurring simultaneously.
This type is quite common since many people experience more than one condition.
Most effective treatments involve managing both the mental health issues and PTSD at once. Trying to handle PTSD alone by using drugs or alcohol to cope can make things worse and delay recovery.
It’s important to recognize the PTSD type you’re experiencing and seek help to heal and improve your mental health.
PTSD Symptoms
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PTSD symptoms may differ from person to person, depending on their unique situation. Generally, these symptoms persist for over a month and impact your daily life. Below, we’ve addressed the four common categories.
Intrusion Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, such as involuntary and persistent memories
- Vivid flashbacks that make you feel like you’re reliving the trauma
- Nightmares related to the traumatic event
Avoidance
- Avoiding thinking about or discussing the trauma
- Avoiding things that remind you of the traumatic event (this may include people, activities, and places)
- Emotional numbness
- Detachment from feelings associated with the event
Cognitive and Mood Symptoms
- Persistent feelings of horror, fear, anger, or guilt
- Negative thoughts about yourself or others
- Difficulty remembering the important aspects of the event
- Inability to experience positive emotions
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Distorted beliefs about the cause or consequences of the trauma
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms
- Frequent anger outbursts
- Easily startled
- Engaging in reckless or self-destructive behaviors
- Hypervigilance of feeling constantly on edge
- Difficulty concentrating and experiencing insomnia
Conclusion
PTSD disrupts lives long after the initial trauma. You may experience vivid flashbacks and emotional numbness, which affects your day-to-day life. Recognizing unique symptoms, however, allows one to reclaim stability and peace through personalized support.
FAQs
Q1. What Is the Classification of PTSD?
PTSD is now a part of the category “Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders”, according to the National Center for PTSD. This classification includes disorders that arise after someone has been through a traumatic or challenging event.
Q2. What Are the Stages of PTSD?
The stages of PTSD include:
- The impact stage. This is when the traumatic event occurs and overwhelms the individual.
- The Denial/Numbing Stage. The individual may avoid or numb emotions to cope with the trauma.
- Rescue Stage. This involves seeking safety and support immediately after the event.
- Short-term recovery or intermediate stage. Addressing and processing the trauma with therapeutic support
- Long-term recovery stage. Rebuilding and integrating the trauma into one’s life while improving the overall well-being.
Q3. What Are the Three Major Elements of PTSD?
The three major elements of PTSD include re-experiencing the memories of traumatic events, avoiding the reminders of the trauma, and hyperarousal of symptoms (feeling constantly on edge).
