All You Need to Know About PTSD

After going through or witnessing a traumatic event, some people develop a mental health condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The person’s physical, mental, or spiritual health could be gravely harmed by the traumatic experience.

Living through a war, military combat, frequent physical or verbal abuse, natural disasters such as a fire, earthquake, flood, or tornado, car accidents, sexual assault cases, and unexpected deaths of a loved one are common examples of traumatic events.

Differences and similarities between trauma and PTSD

An emotional response to a distressing event or situation that disrupts your sense of security is referred to as trauma. A direct threat to one's life or safety, as well as any circumstance that leaves one feeling helpless or alone, are common examples of traumatic situations. 

A person who has experienced or witnessed trauma may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In their minds, people with PTSD frequently relive the incident repeatedly through intrusive thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks.

Despite exhibiting similar symptoms, they progress in different ways. PTSD is a chronic disorder in which the patient continues to have flashbacks and relive the traumatic event, but a traumatic event is time-based.

PTSD symptoms

After a traumatic event, PTSD symptoms usually appear three months later. But they can also show up years or even decades after the incident. 

The following criteria are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is frequently used to diagnose PTSD:

1. Re-experiencing symptoms (require at least one):
   • Flashbacks of the traumatic event
   • Frightening thoughts
   • Nightmares
2. Avoidance symptoms (require at least one):
   • Avoiding activities, situations, things, or places that bring up the traumatic event
   • Avoiding any feelings or thoughts connected to the traumatic experience
3. Arousal and reactivity symptoms (require at least two):
   • Having difficulty sleeping
   • Having difficulty concentrating
   • Being easily startled
   • Feeling tense or ‘on edge’
   • Having irritability or angry outbursts
   • Having reckless or self-destructive behaviour
4. Cognition and mood symptoms (require at least two):
   • Difficulty recalling important details from the traumatic event
   • Feeling fear, anger, guilt, and shame
   • Exaggerated feelings of blame directed toward oneself or others
   • Negative thoughts about yourself or the world
   • Feeling emotionally numb
   • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

Approximately 15% to 35% of people with chronic pain also experience PTSD, often linked to traumatic events like assaults, car accidents, or disasters. In such cases, they may suffer from both chronic pain and PTSD as the pain could act as a constant reminder of the trauma, intensifying their PTSD symptoms.

PTSD symptoms among children and teens

The following symptoms can be seen in younger children with PTSD:

• Struggle to focus and stay organised
• Being restless and fidgety
• Enacting the traumatic events during playtime
• Being overly attached to a parent or other adult
• Wetting the bed after learning to use the toilet
• Forgetting or being unable to speak

Children and teenagers who are older often display symptoms that are similar to those of adults. Additionally, they might experience the following symptoms:

• Disruptive, disrespectful, or harmful behaviour
• Feeling guilty about failing to avoid injuries or deaths
• Thinking about revenge

Risk factors

PTSD risk factors could include:

• Getting injuries or witnessing others get hurt or killed.
• Feeling frightened, helplessness, or horrified.
• Long-lasting or repeated trauma.
• Exposure to past traumatic events, especially those that occurred in childhood.
• Coping with additional stress following the traumatic incident, such as losing a job, getting hurt, or losing a loved one.
• Not having any social support following the traumatic experience.
• Having a past of substance abuse or mental illness.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

PTSD can be diagnosed through mental health screenings, physical exams, and blood tests. To distinguish it from normal stress reactions, which often resolve without intervention, symptoms must persist for more than one month. For a diagnosis, you must exhibit all the following symptoms:

• At least 1 avoidance symptom.
• At least 1 re-experiencing symptom.
• At least 2 arousal and reactivity symptoms.
• At least 2 cognition and mood symptoms.

Treatment options

PTSD can be treated in the following ways:

1. Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a popular type of treatment that assists patients in comprehending and altering harmful thought patterns and behaviours linked to their trauma. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE) are two specific techniques that are frequently used in CBT.
2. Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may be prescribed to improve PTSD symptoms. Additionally, anti-anxiety medications might be prescribed.

Preventing PTSD

While traumatic events cannot always be avoided, you are still able to prevent PTSD later on by taking certain preventative measures:

• After the traumatic event, ask for help from others such as your family and friends or support groups.
• Develop a healthy coping approach following the stressful incident.
• Able to act and react in a fearful situation in an effective manner.
• Provide assistance to others, especially in cases where a distressing event impacts a lot of people, like in a natural disaster.
• When you are in danger, learn to feel positive about your actions.

Book an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you or someone you know is dealing with PTSD, contact the expert team of mental health professionals at Gleneagles Hospitals for consultation. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.