Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Most people are likely to experience a potentially traumatic event in their lifetime, and most individuals recover well, given time and adequate social support.
For some individuals however, the experience of a traumatic event or chronic exposure to trauma can trigger symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.
For some individuals however, the experience of a traumatic event or chronic exposure to trauma can trigger symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Key Points
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) refers to a set of symptoms that can emerge following the experience of a traumatic event that involves exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Exposure to such events can be through:
- directly experiencing the traumatic event
- witnessing, in person, the event happening to someone else
- learning that the event has happened to a close family member or close friend
- repeated or extreme exposure to the aftermath of trauma (e.g., first responders to emergency situations).
Without treatment, PTSD can become a chronic condition, and places the individual at greater risk of developing other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, or problems with alcohol or drug use.3 With sound psychological intervention however, the chances of recovery are good
Symptoms
Symptoms are characterised by:
A sense of reliving the traumatic event
- experiencing unwanted and distressing thoughts or images, flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling as though the event is recurring
Avoidance and numbing
- avoidance of people, places, thoughts and activities associated with the traumatic event,
- feeling emotionally flat, losing interest in enjoyable activities, or feeling disconnected from friends and family.
Negative thoughts and mood
- persistent negative thoughts about self, others, and the world
- distorted views about the causes and consequences of the event
Feeling wound up
- feeling irritable, angry, over-alert, or edgy
- experiencing difficulties concentrating
- experiencing difficulties getting to sleep or staying asleep.
A diagnosis of PTSD is made when these symptoms are present for more than one month and cause significant distress, or interfere with important areas of functioning, such as work, study, or family life.
Seeking Help
If the distress associated with a traumatic event has been affecting a person’s work, school, or home life for more than two weeks, psychological assistance should be considered. Psychologists are highly trained and qualified professionals, skilled in diagnosing and treating a range of mental health concerns, including PTSD. A psychologist can help you to identify and manage the factors that contribute to your distress.
If you are experiencing similar problems, contact us.
If you are experiencing similar problems, contact us.