Posted: February 28th, 2022

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. While it’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of experience, if these symptoms last more than a few weeks, you may have PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but they often include:

Reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted memories
Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event
Feeling numb or detached from others
Having trouble sleeping or concentrating
Feeling irritable or angry
Having trouble controlling worry or fear
Having physical symptoms, like headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension

Causes of PTSD

The exact cause of PTSD is unknown, but it’s believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including:

The severity of the traumatic event
Your individual coping skills
Your genetics
Your age and gender

Treatment for PTSD

There are a number of effective treatments for PTSD, including:

Psychotherapy: This type of therapy can help you understand and cope with the traumatic event. There are several different types of psychotherapy that can be effective for PTSD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy.
Medication: Medications can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. However, medications are not a cure for PTSD and should be used in combination with psychotherapy.
Support groups: Support groups can provide a safe and supportive environment for people with PTSD to share their experiences and learn from others.

Prevention of PTSD

There is no sure way to prevent PTSD, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:

Taking care of your physical and mental health
Developing coping skills
Getting support from friends and family
If you have been through a traumatic event, seek professional help right away.

Conclusion

PTSD is a serious mental health condition, but it is treatable. If you think you may have PTSD, please seek professional help. There are many effective treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and live a full and productive life.
References

Bryant, Richard A. “Post‐traumatic stress disorder: a state‐of‐the‐art review of evidence and challenges.” World psychiatry 18, no. 3 (2019): 259-269.
Merians, A.N., Spiller, T., Harpaz-Rotem, I., Krystal, J.H. and Pietrzak, R.H., 2023. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Medical Clinics, 107(1), pp.85-99.
Brewin, C. R., Andrews, B., & Valentine, J. D. (2000). Meta-analysis of risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychological Bulletin, 126(2), 214-238.
Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2007). Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: Emotional processing of traumatic experiences. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
National Center for PTSD. (2022, March 8). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp

Maercker A, Cloitre M, Bachem R, Schlumpf YR, Khoury B, Hitchcock C, Bohus M. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder. The Lancet. 2022 Jul 2;400(10345):60-72.

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