Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or re-experiencing an extremely traumatic event. This condition manifests as increased arousal and a tendency to avoid reminders of the trauma, and it can appear either immediately after the event or even months or years later.

Some traumatic events include:

Individuals may develop PTSD after experiencing events such as:

  • Military combat
  • Terrorist attacks
  • Natural disasters
  • Abuse (emotional, physical)
  • Bullying
  • Domestic violence
  • Torture or Assault
  • Rape
  • Sexual harassment
  • Human trafficking
  • Illness or Death

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can be grouped into two main categories: intrusion and avoidance

Intrusion symptoms:

  • Unwanted, recurring memories or nightmares related to the trauma
  • Distress and physical reactions triggered by reminders of the traumatic experience
  • Flashbacks, where one feels as though they are reliving the event

Avoidance symptoms:

  • Avoiding thoughts and memories associated with the trauma
  • Avoiding feelings, conversation that might bring up feelings linked to the trauma
  • Avoiding activities that might bring up feelings linked to the trauma
  • Avoiding places that may evoke memories of the traumatic event
  • Avoiding people that may reflect memories of the traumatic event
  • Negative alterations in cognition and mood include an inability to recall key aspects of the trauma.

Other symptoms include:

  • Negative beliefs, blame, guilt, diminished interest in activities, detachment or estrangement from others, and a restricted range of affect may also occur.
  • Alterations in arousal and reactivity include irritability, anger, recklessness, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.

Types of PTSD

PTSD can be classified into three categories, each with different time frames for symptom duration

Acute PTSD:

Symptoms lasting less than 3 months

Chronic PTSD:

Symptoms lasting 3 months or more

Delayed Onset PTSD:

Symptoms appear 6 months or more after the traumatic event

What can cause PTSD

The main causes of PTSD are

  • Exposure to traumatic events,
  • Genetics: runs in families
  • History of depression in first-degree relatives.

Risk Factors/Vulnerabilities for PTSD

  • Post-trauma factors: Circumstances following the traumatic experience
  • Pre-existing mental conditions
  • Substance abuse
  • Lack or limited social support
  • Cultural factors

Treatment of PTSD

Treatment for PTSD involves medication, Psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Guidelines depend on severity, age, comorbidities, individual needs, family involvement, and cultural sensitivity.

Medication management:

Different medications are used depending on the specific type and severity of PTSD, as each class of drugs works uniquely to relieve or prevent symptoms.

Medications commonly used for PTSD:

  • SSRIs
  • TCAs
  • Antipsychotics
  • Alpha antagonists

Psychotherapies include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Family therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Yoga/meditation

Other treatment considerations include:

  • Important considerations for effective treatment also include:
  • Addressing co-occurring mental health issues
  • Ensuring cultural sensitivity in care
  • Implementing trauma-informed care principles
  • Providing education to help patients understand and manage PTSD

Prevent, manage, and live life with Bipolar.

  • Focusing on education and understanding your family medical history.
  • Early recognition through screening is crucial to getting help promptly.
  • It’s important to monitor and report any symptoms, including suicidal thoughts.
  • Keeping a log or journal can help recognize triggers.
  • Early intervention and starting treatment are key steps.
  • Join support groups to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and ensure you have a strong support network.
  • Connecting with others who experience similar challenges can provide valuable support.

Lifestyle changes:

  • Establishing daily routines
  • Regular exercise,
  • maintaining a healthy diet,
  • Good sleep hygiene
  • Practicing stress management techniques, along with relaxation activities,

All these can also benefit overall well-being.

In Case of Emergency

  • For suicidal ideation or any danger to self or others, call 911

OR

  • go to the nearest hospital to learn how to seek help.

Resources:

  • Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1800 662 Help (4357)

https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/conditions/ptsd#

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
  • Call NAMI Helpline at 1800 950 NAMI (6264) In Crisis 988 (24/7)

or info@nami.org

https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/posttraumatic-stress-disorder/#

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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