Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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What is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape, or other violent personal assault.
The core idea is that the brain’s normal “fight-or-flight” response becomes dysregulated. The psychological wound from the trauma doesn’t heal the way a physical wound might, and the person remains in a state of high alert, reliving the danger long after it has passed.
The Four Main Categories of Symptoms
For a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms must last for more than a month and cause significant distress or problems in functioning. They are generally grouped into four categories:
1. Intrusion (Re-experiencing the Trauma)
This is when memories of the trauma intrude into daily life involuntarily.
· Nightmares: Vivid, distressing dreams related to the event.
· Flashbacks: Feeling or acting as if the traumatic event were happening again. These can be so severe that people lose touch with reality.
· Distressing Memories: Repeated, involuntary, and intrusive upsetting memories of the event.
· Psychological and Physical Distress: Intense or prolonged distress when exposed to cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the event.
2. Avoidance
A person will persistently avoid anything associated with the trauma.
· Avoiding Thoughts/Feelings: Steering clear of thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the traumatic event.
· Avoiding Reminders: Avoiding people, places, activities, objects, or situations that are reminders of the trauma. For example, a combat veteran might avoid crowded public places, or a car accident survivor might avoid driving.
3. Negative Alterations in Mood and Cognition
This involves persistent negative changes in thoughts and feelings.
· Inability to Recall Details: Not being able to remember an important aspect of the event (dissociative amnesia).
· Negative Beliefs: Exaggerated negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,” “The world is completely dangerous,” “No one can be trusted”).
· Distorted Blame: Blaming oneself or others for the trauma.
· Negative Feelings: Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
· Loss of Interest: Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
· Detachment: Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
· Inability to Experience Positive Emotions: Unable to experience happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings.
4. Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity
This refers to being in a constant state of “high alert.”
· Irritability and Angry Outbursts: Expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.
· Reckless or Self-Destructive Behavior: Behaving in a risky way (e.g., reckless driving, substance abuse).
· Hypervigilance: Being overly watchful of one’s surroundings, constantly on guard for danger.
· Exaggerated Startle Response: Being easily startled by noises or unexpected movements.
· Problems with Concentration: Difficulty focusing on tasks.
· Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Causes and Risk Factors
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Several factors influence its development:
· The Trauma Itself: The intensity, duration, and proximity of the exposure play a role.
· Biology and Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety, making them more vulnerable.
· Brain Structure: Differences in the brain areas involved in fear and stress (like the amygdala and hippocampus) may be a factor.
· Previous Trauma: A history of childhood trauma or previous traumatic experiences increases risk.
· Lack of Social Support: After the event, not having a strong network of family and friends can be a major risk factor.
· Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions: A history of anxiety or depression can increase susceptibility.
For Beginners:
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