What Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

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Statistics indicate that approximately 3.6% of adult Americans or about 5.2 million people have a diagnosis of Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).   PTSD is a mental health condition that develops from exposure to a terrifying or life threatening event.  The trauma results from intense emotional or physical harm or the severe threat of harm, so person who develops PTSD can be either being a victim to the event or have witnessed the event.  PTSD can occur at any age, including childhood and in any gender - Male of female.  However, because more women tend to be victims of abuse, domestic violence, and rape, there is a strong correlation to the fact that more women have PTSD then men. 

Common Causes of PTSD are:

• War or military combat
• Acts of aggression such as torture, physical or sexual abuse
• Rape or molestation
• Being a victim to bullying
• Victim of a natural disaster such as a fire, tornado, earthquake or floods
• Witness to a violent act or crime

PTSD Symptom Categories

PTSD symptoms are divided into four groups: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, or changes in emotional reactions.

Intrusive memories

• Invasive and recurrent memories of the trauma. These memories can cause intense distress.
• Experience of flashbacks- a relieving of the trauma where a person can see the event, experience the event (including sight, smell, touch and sounds of the event). With a flashback, the person feels as they are living through the trauma all over again.
• Nightmares about the trauma
• Feeling intense emotional distress when there are situations that triggers memories of the event

Avoidance

• Avoiding situations where there may be a need to talk about the trauma
• Avoiding places that can trigger memories of the trauma
• Avoiding people who may trigger emotional responses relating to memories of the trauma

Negative Changes In Thinking and Mood

• Noted change in thoughts and feelings about self
• Negative thoughts and feelings about others
• Difficulty finding pleasure 
• Constant negative thoughts (pessimistic thinking) 
• Inability to feel or express emotions 9emotional withdrawal)  
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating and focusing 

Changes In Emotional Reactions

• Irritability and agitation
• Angry or aggressive outbursts
• Tearfulness or crying 
• Hyper vigilance
• Feelings of guilt and shame
• Self abusive behavior or self-destructive behavior
• Difficulty with focus, concentration, memory or attention
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty eating
• Hyper aroused:  easily startled or frightened

PTSD In Children (Unique Symptom Set)

• Waking nightmares
• Fear to go to sleep
• Fear to sleep alone
• Difficulty making friends or keeping them
• Will re-enact trauma in their play or art work
• Reenacting the traumatic event or aspects of the traumatic event through play
• Fear of being separated from a parent or family unit
• Irrational fear that most places are danger is pr that most people are dangerous

PTSD symptoms can vary with each person, and it  is not a static condition.  PSTD can vary depending on triggers and circumstances, and psychological/brain-scan research indicates that there are biological, psychological and even cognitive changes that occur when someone experiences PTSD.  In addition, a person with PTSD may have other complications such as other mental health issues such as:  depression, anxiety and addiction.  PTSD can complicate other life areas such as family, friends, job, and finances, and it can even impact day to day functioning such as taking care of self, children or household. 

If you or a love one have PTSD, it is best to seek professional help, because PTSD can affect your entire life - Slowly over time, or quickly and over-night. Help is available.  PTSD can be treated with psychiatry or the use of medications with a professional counselor in individual, group or family therapy.  A therapist may use desensitization techniques to decrease symptoms of panic around the vent or situations where there is a perceived threat, and therapy can help a person to verbally and cognitively process the traumas they experienced.  In addition, a therapist can help the victim to learn the skills necessary to cope with situations that make them anxious or feel like withdrawing.  Early intervention with therapy is the most effective, however therapy can be beneficial at any time.  A therapist may also recommend using medication prescribed by a psychiatrist to decrease feelings of anxiety or depression, allowing the rperson to take advantage of the therapy sessions.

 - Kim B.