If you have PTSD, you might not be able to get over your fears and traumas. Those suffering from PTSD may experience symptoms such as an immediate hypersensitivity response, disturbed sleep, trouble focusing or recalling, and guilt about sustaining the trauma when others did not. They may also relive the trauma in painful memories, flashbacks, or recurring dreams or nightmares.

Treatment with a doctor following the onset of PTSD symptoms can be crucial in reducing symptoms and improving functioning.

Defining PTSD

Trauma can result in the mental health illness post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans of armed conflicts were the first to have this illness diagnosed. It's been called "shell shock" in the past, but it's not just a problem for soldiers. There are many distressing events that can trigger it.

Diagnoses and Symptoms

These four groups best describe PTSD symptoms. The intensity of individual signs and symptoms varies.

  • Intrusion: Constant, unwanted recollections, nightmares, or flashbacks to the traumatic experience. Intensely vivid flashbacks can make it seem as though the terrible event is happening all over again.
  • Avoidance: Reminders of the trauma may come in the form of people, places, activities, items, and events that may bring up unpleasant recollections. It's common for victims of trauma to avoid thinking or even thinking about what happened. Some people have trouble opening up about their emotions or the events that have transpired.
  • Changes in cognition and mood: It may include several mixed symptoms. The person may find it difficult to recall the details of the traumatic incident; the things after the traumatic event; have wrong ideas about the tragedy;Inability to remember crucial details of the traumatic incident, negative thoughts and feelings leading to continued and erroneous views about oneself or others; false thoughts about the origin or consequences of the considerable prominence to wrongly blaming self or others; ongoing fear, terror, wrath, guilt, or humiliation; significantly reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities; feeling alienated or estranged from people (a void of happiness or satisfaction).
  • Reactivity and arousal changes: Symptoms of arousal and reactivity include irritability, anger outbursts, risky or destructive behavior, hypervigilance, susceptibility to shock, difficulty focusing and sleeping, and heightened suspicion of others.

In the days following exposure to a stressful event, many persons exhibit symptoms similar to those listed above. So it is important to get these symptoms evaluated by a doctor if these symptoms are present for at least a month and affect the individual's daily activities. Some people don't have any symptoms at all, while others may experience delayed onset and long-lasting effects from their traumatic experience. Depression, substance abuse, memory loss, and other physical and mental health issues are common comorbidities of PTSD according to some of the best doctors.

What triggers PTSD and how to treat it (PTSD)

PTSD can be brought on by anything that a person remembers or recalls with a negative emotional reaction.

Some of these are:

  • Major accidents
  • Attacks on the person, whether they be sexual, physical, or financial
  • Severe health issues
  • Labor and delivery experiences

The onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur immediately following exposure to a traumatic event, or it might be delayed for weeks, months, or even years.

About one-third of people who go through a terrible experience end up with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the reasons why some people do and others don't are still a mystery.

Anxiety and panic disorders in young people

Teenagers and older kids who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have difficulties paralleling those of adults. Younger youngsters may have a different manner of showing their sorrow. Instead of being bothered by upsetting thoughts and flashbacks during the day, kids could find relief from the trauma by reliving it in their play. 

Many young people, rather than having nightmares that relive the terrible experience, have frightening dreams that lack any recognized content. Youngsters may also exhibit excessive tantrums, social withdrawal, and a loss of interest in play.

Over one-third of kids who go through something terrible will end up with post-traumatic stress disorder.

In addition to PTSD, other issues such as anxiety, depression, defiance, ADD/ADHD, and, in adolescents and young adults, suicide ideation and substance abuse, might emerge.

How can traumatic stress be treated through therapy?

The main ways to treat PTSD are through talk therapy, medicines, or a mixture of the two. Because PTSD affects each person in a different way, one patient's treatment may work better than another's. 

To find the most effective treatment for your post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, you should consult a mental health expert.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy might help you understand your condition and its symptoms. You will gain insight into their origins and coping mechanisms.

PTSD symptoms can be alleviated with the intervention of medication. Sadness, concern, wrath, and numbness are just some of the symptoms that could be alleviated by antidepressants. Some medications can help with nightmares and sleep issues.

Is it possible to avoid PTSD after a stressful event?

You can’t actually preclude a traumatic incident. Yet, there are measures that research suggests may mitigate post-traumatic stress disorder:

  • Don't be afraid to reach out for support and encouragement.
  • Think positively about your capacity to control your feelings.
  • Get some good out of the bad by learning something from the experience.
  • Consider only happy thoughts and the sound of your own laughter.
  • Take care of other people.
  • Maintain an optimistic frame of mind.
  • Maintain regular contact with those that matter to you.
  • Share your thoughts about what happened with close friends and family.
  • Instead of viewing yourself as a victim, view yourself as a survivor.

Conclusion

Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you're still having problems functioning normally one month after experiencing traumatic thoughts and feelings. In order to prevent the worsening of PTSD symptoms, treatment should begin as soon as feasible.

FAQs

1. Who is at the highest risk for developing PTSD?

PTSD can occur in people of any age. Veterans, children, and victims of assault, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and other traumatic experiences all fall under this category.

2. Is post-traumatic stress disorder genetic?

Debilitating stress and anxiety can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a person experiences a terrible event or prolonged maltreatment. It's estimated that 30–40% of PTSD's heritability can be attributed to genetic risk factors.

3. What is the most prevalent method of dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder?

Evidence suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective kind of psychotherapy for treating PTSD, both immediately and in the long run.