Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is a mental health disorder that occurs in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD can cause a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s daily life.

In this article, we will explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, and they often start within three months of the traumatic event. However, in some cases, symptoms may not appear until years after the traumatic event has occurred.

The symptoms of PTSD can be classified into four categories:.

Intrusive Thoughts

Nightmares
Flashbacks
Intrusive memories

Avoidance

Avoiding places, events or people that remind of the event
Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
Feeling detached or emotionally numb

Negative Thoughts and Moods

Negative thoughts about oneself and others
Feeling guilty or ashamed
Loss of memory about the event

Arousal and Reactivity

Aggressive behavior
Irritability and anger
Hypervigilance
Insomnia and difficulty concentrating

Causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Various events or experiences can result in PTSD. Generally, any event that is traumatic and overwhelming can cause PTSD, including:.

War combat or exposure to violence
Sexual or physical assault
Natural disasters
Car accidents
Child abuse or neglect
Diagnosis of illness such as cancer

Since PTSD is a severe disorder, an individual’s reaction to an experience can determine if they will develop PTSD. Some risk factors that can increase the chances of developing PTSD include:.

Family history of anxiety or depression
Lack of social support after trauma
History of mental health conditions
Exposure to multiple traumatic experiences

Treatment Options for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

There are several treatment options for PTSD, but no one treatment works for everyone. Treatment plans should be personalized to an individual’s unique needs and symptoms. However, three primary treatment options for PTSD are:.

Counseling

Counseling therapy is one of the most common and helpful treatment options for PTSD.

Different counseling approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy can help individuals handle and confront their traumatic experience by focusing on relieving their symptoms and teaching them new coping skills.

Medications

Prescription medication is another treatment option for PTSD. Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications can help reduce the intensity of some PTSD symptoms.

However, it is essential to work with a doctor to ensure medication suits a person’s needs and the medication’s potential side effects.

Alternative Treatments

Alternative or complementary treatments like hypnotherapy, meditation, and acupuncture have also demonstrated success in treating PTSD’s symptoms.

These alternative options can help individuals relax, calm their mind, and decrease their stress and anxiety levels. It is important to note that alternative treatments should not replace primary PTSD treatment.

Conclusion

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe mental health disorder resulting from experiencing or witnessing trauma.

The symptoms of PTSD not only affect the individual who experiences the trauma, but it can also impact their relationships, work, and day-to-day life. Nevertheless, PTSD is treatable with counseling, medications, and alternative therapy options. Individuals with PTSD should converse with their mental health care professional to come up with a personalized treatment plan that works best for them.