PTSD

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Defined by the National Institute of Mental Health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is “a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.” People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger. Symptoms usually begin early, within three months of the traumatic incident, but sometimes they begin years afterward. Symptoms must last more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with relationships or work to be considered PTSD.

To be diagnosed with PTSD, you must have all of the following for at least one 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 of PTSD include:

• Flashbacks — reliving the trauma over and over, including physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating
• Bad dreams
• Frightening thoughts

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

Arousal and reactivity symptoms include:

• Being easily startled
• Having angry outburst
• Feeling tense or “on edge”

Cognition and mood symptoms include:

• Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
• Distorted feelings like guilt or blame
• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities

The main treatments for people with PTSD include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Since each case of PTSD is unique, treatment has to be personalized to the patient. Further research into the causes and treatment of PTSD will help health care professionals better treat those affected.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml?utm_campaign=Social+%2BMedia&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Main%2BTwitter%2BFeed#part_145375

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