|
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a person has been directly exposed to, witnessed
or heard about a traumatic event(s) involving a threat of severe bodily harm or loss of life to themselves or others. Some
examples of traumatic events that could lead to the development of PTSD are: car accidents; natural disasters such as hurricanes
or earthquakes; being physically or sexually assaulted; being emotionally, physically, or sexually abused; combat exposure;
or learning about the unexpected death or injury of a loved one.
Although not all individuals exposed to a trauma
develop PTSD, some individuals experience a number of distressing psychological and physical symptoms including re-experiencing,
avoidance or numbing, and hyperarousal.
Re-experiencing symptoms include: recurrent and intrusive thoughts about the
event; upsetting dreams or nightmares; flashbacks to the trauma; becoming extremely upset or anxious when reminded of the
trauma.
Avoidance and numbing symptoms include: avoiding thinking or talking about the trauma; avoiding places, situations
or people reminiscent of the trauma; being unable to recall certain parts of what happened; losing interest in previously
valued activities; feeling distant or detached from others; having difficulty experiencing strong emotions; feeling a lack
of interest or hope in the future (e.g., feeling one will never have a career, get married, live to old age).
Symptoms
of hyperarousal include: difficulty falling or staying asleep; feeling irritable or having outbursts of anger; difficulty
concentrating; feeling hypervigilant even if there is no reason to be; and being easily startled.
In order to receive
a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must persist for at least one month and cause significant distress, interference, or impairment
in work, school, or social functioning. Symptoms may last for several months, or become even more chronic. For some, PTSD
symptoms emerge six months or more after the traumatic event.
What are some treatments for PTSD?
There are a
number of effective medications available to treat the symptoms of PTSD, including antidepressants and some newer anti-anxiety
or mood-stabilizing medications. Many individuals with PTSD do well with treatment that includes both psychotherapy and medication.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), including prolonged exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Skills Training
in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) is effective for many patients with PTSD and involve working closely with a
therapist to systematically process the traumatic event, identify and modify negative thoughts that interfere with recovery
from the trauma, and learn to face situations or feelings associated with the trauma. In addition, CBT helps individuals learn
skills for managing difficult emotions and overcoming difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
|
