What is PTSD?

PTSD is a common, sometimes debilitating psychiatric condition that is triggered in some individuals after either experiencing or witnessing a major traumatic event. Many people will have temporary difficulty adjusting, but they frequently get well with time, good support, and self-care. According to the National Center for PTSD, experiencing a trauma is not unusual. Six percent of men and 10 percent of women develop PTSD at some time in their lives.

What Causes PTSD?

There are many types of traumas. A direct threat to one’s life, sexual violence, witnessing a death, serious physical injury, and witnessing physical violence to another person are just a few examples. PTSD occurs as a consequence of personal or vicarious exposure to extreme, life-threatening stress and/or serious injury or harm. Although these types of extreme stresses are difficult for everyone who experiences them, not everyone develops PTSD after these kinds of stresses.

What are the Symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD is characterized by intrusion and reexperiencing the trauma through flashbacks; efforts to avoid trauma-related thoughts, feelings, places, or people; persistent negative cognition and mood; and hyperarousal manifested as severe anxiety, panic attacks, sleep problems, and irritability. Symptoms commonly begin within 3 months of the traumatic event but can be delayed for years after the trauma.

How is PTSD Diagnosed?

Your TMP provider will diagnose your PTSD based on these four characteristic symptom clusters: reexperiencing, avoidance, reactivity and arousal, and cognition and mood symptoms. These symptoms must last more than one month and be so severe as to interfere with relationships and work.

What are the Treatments for PTSD?

The primary treatments include psychotherapy and medication. Typically, the prescribed medication is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), similar to what is used to address depression and anxiety disorders. Other medications can treat insomnia, nightmares, and anxiety attacks. If your symptoms include suicidal ideation and substance abuse you may need timely treatment directed towards these symptoms.

Existing evidence-based, trauma-focused treatment modalities (such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can be effective in treating PTSD. It is important to note that single-event PTSD is common. However, complex traumatic events associated with war, forcible displacement, childhood sexual abuse, and domestic violence can also cause mental health problems. Studies report that psychological treatments are effective for treating PTSD, anxiety, and depression and improving sleep in people with a history of complex traumas.

As mentioned above, individual psychotherapy can be very effective in treating PTSD. There is also great benefit to group therapy. Group therapy allows individuals with similar traumas to validate their experiences; learn from others (e.g. what coping strategies have worked for others); help others, which often reduces one’s own anxiety; and develop supportive and trusting relationships with fellow group members.