What is PTSD and its Symptoms?
September 20, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event. The traumatic event typically involves the threat of death, serious injury, or sexual violence. PTSD can affect anyone, including survivors of accidents, natural disasters, war veterans, abuse, or other traumatic incidents. Common symptoms of PTSD fall into four main categories:
- Intrusive Memories:
- Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event through vivid and distressing memories, nightmares, or a sense of re-experiencing the event.
- Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted and distressing memories or images of the traumatic event.
- Avoidance:
- Avoiding Triggers: Efforts to avoid reminders of the traumatic event, such as places, people, conversations, or activities that bring back distressing memories.
- Emotional Numbing: Feeling detached, emotionally numb, or unable to experience positive emotions.
- Avoidance of Thoughts or Feelings: Avoiding thinking or talking about the trauma, leading to a sense of detachment from others.
- Arousal and Reactivity:
- Hypervigilance: Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, or having an exaggerated startle response.
- Irritability and Aggression: Experiencing irritability, aggression, or angry outbursts.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, experiencing memory problems, or having a hard time completing tasks.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or having intense, distressing dreams or nightmares related to the traumatic event.
- Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood:
- Negative Self-Perception: Negative thoughts about oneself or the world, including feelings of guilt, shame, or a distorted sense of blame related to the trauma.
- Detachment: Feeling disconnected from others, emotionally distant, or finding it challenging to have positive feelings or relationships.
- Emotional Numbing: Difficulty experiencing positive emotions, including love or happiness.
- Diminished Interest: Loss of interest or participation in activities once enjoyed.
The symptoms of PTSD can vary in intensity and may interfere with daily life, work, and relationships. They often manifest within three months of the traumatic event, but they can appear later. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, and each individual may have a unique experience. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of PTSD, seeking help from a mental health professional is important for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both can be effective in managing PTSD symptoms and improving quality of life.