Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs in people who’ve been exposed to trauma either directly or passively. Moreover, the disorder can cause long-lasting emotional or physical harm to people, as it negatively impacts their health and well-being.
Before current understandings of the mental disorder, PTSD was referred to by other names and was believed to affect war veterans specifically. During the First and Second World Wars, the mental disorder went by the names “shell shock” and “combat fatigue,” respectively.
As of now, research regarding the mental disorder has come a long way. Particularly, various traumatic events can trigger this mental health crisis, such as natural disasters or poverty—not just war. What’s more? Traumatic events don’t have to be big in scope to be impactful, as people who’ve experienced historical trauma, bullying, domestic abuse, or child abuse can get the disorder too.
Who is Impacted Most by PTSD?
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So far, research has shown that anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender, can develop a mental disorder. Indeed, around three to five percent of adults in the United States alone are impacted annually. Comparatively, adolescents aren’t spared, as it’s estimated that around eight percent of youth between the ages of 13 and 18 will develop the mental disorder as well.
In addition to age differences, gender may play a role, as women are more at risk of developing the mental disorder than men. Likewise, it can affect various ethnic groups differently, with Latinos and both African and Native Americans having higher risks of prevalence than white American groups.
How Trauma Affects Thoughts and Behavior
People with the disorder may be overwhelmed by intense thoughts and feelings associated with the traumatic event they experienced or witnessed. By reliving these dreadful events through nightmares or flashbacks, these individuals may be overcome with negative emotions such as sadness and anger that disrupt their everyday lives.
Due to the negative feelings, these individuals may mentally detach themselves from their emotions by avoiding reminders of the traumatic event. These triggers can be specific people, places, or situations that the individuals will try to avoid at all costs. Additionally, ordinary actions such as loud noises or accidental touching can trigger a strong negative reaction in people, impacting their relationships and quality of life.
The Process of PTSD Diagnosis
Unfortunately, a proper diagnosis requires direct exposure to stressors and their symptoms lasting longer than a month. Keep in mind that PTSD symptoms occur within three months following a traumatic event and can thrive for months and even years afterward.
Overall, people can be traumatized through direct experience, witnessing, or learning about traumatic events. Notably, people suspected of having the mental disorder must show signs of the following to receive a proper diagnosis: intrusive thoughts, avoidance, alterations in mood and thinking, as well as reactivity and arousal.
Traumatic Triggers and Mood Alterations
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Mainly, people affected by intrusive thoughts involuntarily relive traumatic memories, have scary dreams, and may suffer from flashbacks. Specifically, these flashbacks can be so intense that the individuals may feel like they’re seeing their worst memories playing in front of their eyes like a horror movie.
As previously mentioned, people with PTSD often avoid triggers, either directly or mentally. Ultimately, these individuals may live reclusive lifestyles as they want to evade people, activities, or situations that may trigger traumatic memories. Similarly, these people may not reach out for help as they resist discussing their problems altogether.
Generally, trauma can twist people’s thoughts and behaviors and make it challenging for them to adjust. For example, people with anxiety disorders may turn to the self-blame or paranoia of other people who are influenced by frequent lapses in memory of the traumatic event. Lastly, people may become more prone to developing self-destructive behavior patterns that could endanger themselves and others.
Psychotherapy Proves Best PTSD Treatment
It’s important to understand that trauma alone doesn’t automatically give someone an anxiety disorder. In fact, some people may overcome their symptoms over time. Likewise, people who do struggle with PTSD may not need psychiatric treatment, as they’re fortunate enough to have a good support system of friends and family.
Unfortunately, PTSD is a downward spiral in which people may lose themselves, and in a judgmental society, they may feel they’re responsible. As a result of their self-blame, they may not seek help for their struggles in the first place. Therefore, to help these individuals, they must realize that whatever happened to them isn’t their fault. Keep in mind as well that seeking treatment early allows for a quicker, more efficient recovery.
So far, psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is most effective in treating PTSD. For mental health professionals, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the chosen treatment method, as it best addresses the negative emotions and beliefs that were born from the traumatic event. As a result of CBT, mental health professionals help these individuals confront their darkest emotions and memories head-on.
Secondly, prolonged exposure therapy (PET) is a great treatment method as it exposes people to their triggers in a safe and controlled environment. Simultaneously, these individuals gain control and learn to cope properly by repeatedly facing their fears. To illustrate how PET works, these people can seek out virtual reality programs that recreate images associated with their shameful memories for safe interactions.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Another trauma-focused psychotherapy to consider is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which helps people reprocess their traumatic memories differently. This therapy takes place in about three months, as mental health professionals must devise a treatment plan after doing a thorough background check on their patients.
At the same time, mental health professionals recreate eye movements from REM sleep to make their patients more relaxed. For a brief moment, mental health professionals have their patient either watch a light bar or their fingers moving back and forth to induce these eye moments. Consequently, the individuals tend to experience changes in their thoughts and feelings to become more positive.
Positive Treatment in Group Therapy
Finally, group therapy is a great way to encourage survivors and witnesses to share their traumatic experiences. With group therapy, its members create a non-judgmental environment so people can be comfortable enough to share. Due to the safe setting, people find companionship with others and can remind themselves that they’re not struggling alone.
Not only does PTSD affect the individual, but also everyone who cares about them. That’s why family therapy can be beneficial in the recovery process, as family and friends can also learn the necessary tools to aid someone struggling with trauma while helping themselves too.
This article is intended simply to provide information. It is not intended to replace advice from a physician. Please speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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