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Content What is post-traumatic stress disorder?Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can cause significant disruption to a person's life. It is a biological response of the human brain to stress from an intense event or period, in which a person's life or safety (or those of their loved ones) was in danger. The symptoms of PTSD were originally recognized and studied in soldiers. The definition has expanded in recent times to include the many people influenced by other traumatizing events. PTSD is a condition shared by millions of people worldwide, with 5-10% of the population estimated to experience PTSD at some point in their lives. [1] PTSD can happen to anyone, including children. The duration of PTSD varies between people. For some, it will be a temporary condition, the effects of which will wane and pass within weeks or months. For others, PTSD may carry on for years, or be a lifelong challenge. CausesThe trigger for PTSD is a traumatic event experienced by the person. Events that can cause PTSD can include:
In some cases, a person can develop PTSD despite not having experienced the trauma directly, but through learning of a horrific event happening to a loved one. Risk factorsAbout 10-25% of people undergoing a traumatic event can develop PTSD. [2] We do not yet have a good understanding of what causes PTSD. However, there are some recognized factors that increase a person's chances of developing PTSD. They can include:
Workers in occupations or roles that involve a high chance of exposure to traumatic situations (for example, firefighters, police, rescue workers, emergency medical personnel) are also at risk of developing PTSD. TypesPTSD is currently divided into three categories, based on when it appears:
Signs and symptomsNearly every person who has gone through an intense, stressful event will experience a short-term stress response to it. This will often pass within days or a few weeks. PTSD is diagnosed when the stress response to the event carries on beyond that initial period. PTSD shows up differently in different people. Some will be moody and withdrawn, others may be more outwardly emotional; still others will become detached and emotionally numb. Symptoms can be divided into four categories: Persistent re-experiencing of the event
Mood and cognitive problems
Post-traumatic stress disorder can cause feelings of dissociation, depression and guilt. Persistent avoidance of stimuli
Persistent hypervigilance and hyperarousal
Many people with PTSD may not recognize their condition, or may be unwilling to receive help. Methods for diagnosisThe doctor may diagnose PTSD based on a description of the person's history and symptoms. They will attempt to ascertain whether the person is suffering from PTSD, or from a similar anxiety disorder. The doctor may refer the person to a specialist (psychiatrist) for formal diagnosis. Types of treatmentA person with PTSD may not ask for treatment, or want it when offered. It is not helpful to pressure a PTSD sufferer into receiving treatment against their will. Treatment can take a long time and there is a danger of the person dropping out due to lack of improvement over time. Treatment is different for every person. Psychotherapy is the preferred treatment for PTSD. Medications can also be used in the short-term with symptoms, while individuals receive psychotherapy. PsychotherapyThere are several psychotherapeutic approaches and techniques for treating PTSD. They include: Exposure therapyExposure therapy helps the person re-live their experience in a safe way and learn to control their response to the memory. Cognitive therapyThis type of therapy is directed at changing how a person thinks about their condition and how they respond to it. Types of cognitive therapy include:
Psychodynamic therapyPsychodynamic therapy focuses on relating the person's past and present experiences to their PTSD symptoms. The act of bringing past life events and present situations to the surface is meant to help in dealing with PTSD. Psychological first aidThis psychological intervention is employed a short time after the traumatizing event, usually after large-scale disasters or violent attacks. First-response mental health workers go out to survivors of these events, assess their mental condition and offer information, support and compassion. They try to give a sense of safety and security, help with immediate needs and reduce or prevent PTSD symptoms. DebriefingA technique wherein the person experiencing a traumatic event is asked, shortly after the event, to describe and relive it in detail. Psychotherapy provides many techniques for coping with a trauma. MedicationAntidepressantsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are the preferred medication for treating PTSD symptoms in adults. They help treat depression, anxiety and irritability in people with PTSD. Sertraline, paroxetine and fluoxetine are examples of antidepressants used in the treatment of PTSD. Anti-anxietyAnti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, can help people with PTSD in the short-term with their anxiety and sleep problems. They cannot cure PTSD. Mood stabilizersThese are medications that can counter the negative moods experienced by PTSD sufferers and help them function in their daily lives. Potential complicationsPTSD can have a significant effect on a person's well-being, and interfere with their daily lives. Complications associated with PTSD include:
PrognosisThe outlook for PTSD is different for every person. PTSD can, in many people, gradually fade. In about half of PTSD sufferers, the condition goes away within three months. For others, treatment can help reduce the impact of PTSD or cure it completely. Some PTSD sufferers may have to live with the condition long-term. However, for them too, treatment and support can also make a significant difference. PreventionPTSD cannot be completely prevented. Effective treatment, support and counselling in the time after the traumatic event can help reduce the chance of PTSD and its length and severity. Family, friends, support groups and healthcare professionals can all be sources of support. A person who has a supportive social environment and a trusting relationship with their healthcare professionals is at less risk of developing serious, long-term PTSD. For people whose occupations put them at risk of PTSD, factors that can help lower the risk of PTSD include:
Support servicesThe National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time, M-F Phone: 1-866-615-6464 Available in English and Spanish References
FAQ Frequently asked questionsRelated topicsAbout this articleTitle Post-traumatic stress disorder Author:Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med) First published: 21 Oct 2014 Last reviewed: 17 Jan 2022 Category: Post-traumatic stress disorder Rating: 4.0 out of 5 Votes: 1399 (Click smiley face below to rate) |