Diagnosis Awareness: PTSD
Definition
A disorder that may result when an individual lives through or witnesses an event in which they believe that there is a threat to life or physical integrity and safety and experiences fear, terror, or helplessness.
The symptoms are characterized by (a) reexperiencing the trauma in painful recollections, flashbacks, or recurrent dreams or nightmares; (b) avoidance of activities or places that recall the traumatic event, as well as diminished responsiveness (emotional anesthesia or numbing), with disinterest in significant activities and with feelings of detachment and estrangement from others; and (c) chronic physiological arousal, leading to such symptoms as an exaggerated startle response, disturbed sleep, difficulty in concentrating or remembering, and guilt about surviving the trauma when others did not.
Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology
Symptoms
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms typically emerge within three months of trauma and last for more than a month, severely impacting daily life. They generally fall into four main categories: [1, 2]1. Re-experiencing Symptoms (Intrusions)
- Flashbacks: Feeling or acting as if the traumatic event is happening again.
- Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted, distressing memories or vivid recurring dreams of the trauma.
- Physical reactions: Sweating, shaking, or a racing heart triggered by reminders of the event. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
2. Avoidance
- Avoiding reminders: Actively steering clear of people, places, objects, or situations that trigger memories of the event.
- Thought suppression: Difficulty remembering key parts of the trauma or being unable to talk about it. [1, 2, 3]
3. Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition
- Emotional numbness: Feeling detached from friends and family or losing the ability to experience positive emotions.
- Distorted beliefs: Ongoing feelings of intense fear, anger, guilt, or shame, often accompanied by self-blame.
- Loss of interest: No longer finding joy in activities you once loved. [1, 2, 3]
4. Hyperarousal and Reactivity
- Hypervigilance: Always being on guard, jittery, or on the lookout for danger.
- Increased startle response: Being easily frightened by sudden noises or movements.
- Behavioral changes: Trouble sleeping, poor concentration, irritability, or aggressive outbursts. [1, 2, 3]
Where to Find SupportIf you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, effective treatments like psychotherapy and medication are available. [1, 2]
- Connect with local resources and treatment locators using the National Center for PTSD directory.
- Read through professional assessments and guidelines provided by the Mayo Clinic or the National Institute of Mental Health.
- Immediate Help: If you are in distress or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please reach out immediately to your local emergency services or call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]