PTSD is a disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
PTSD is very common, with over 3 million cases in the US alone per year. Post traumatic stress disorder is treatable, and requires a diagnosis by a medical professional. This condition may last months or even years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma that caused the disorder accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.
- Behavioral symptoms: irritability, hostility, hypervigilance, self-destructive behavior, or social isolation
- Physchological symptoms:flashbacks of trauma, fear, severe anxiety, or mistrust
- Symptoms concerning mood:loss of interest or pleasure in activities, guilt, or loneliness
- Symptoms involving sleep:Insomnia or nightmares
- Other common symptoms of PTSD may be emotional detachment or unwanted thoughts
Treatment includes different types of trauma-focused psychotherapy as well as medications to manage symptoms. Some such treatments are...
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing:
Psychological treatment that reduces the stress of traumatic events through eye movements.
Medication Treatments include:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI, which eases symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety.
Clinical Psychologists:
Treat mental disorders primarily with talk therapy.
Psychiatrist
Treats mental disorders primarily with medications.
If you think you have PTSD, please see a medical professional for further information. If you think you know someone who has PTSD, encourage them to speak to a therapist or medical professional.