PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that affects people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It can be debilitating, causing intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experiences. Symptoms include sadness, fear, anger, detachment, and strong negative reactions to everyday stimuli.

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types:

• Intrusion Symptoms
  • Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Traumatic nightmares where the content and feeling of the dream are related to the traumatic event
  • Flashbacks are where the individual feels or acts like the traumatic event is happening again.
  • Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event
  • Marked physiological reactions to reminders of the traumatic event
• Avoidance Symptoms
  • Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the traumatic event
  • Efforts to avoid activities, places, or people arouse recollections of the traumatic event.
• Negative Changes in Cognition and Mood
  • Inability to remember an essential aspect of the traumatic event (not due to head injury, alcohol, or drugs)
  • Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world
  • Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event lead the individual to blame themselves or others.
  • Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame)
  • Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities
  • Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
  • Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings)
• Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity
  • Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation) are typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.
  • Reckless or self-destructive behavior
  • Hypervigilance
  • Exaggerated startle response
  • Problems with concentration
  • Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep)

Treatment for PTSD

The treatment for PTSD is multifaceted, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve function, and help the individual manage their reactions to the trauma. Treatment may include:

• Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients recognize and adjust traumatic thoughts and beliefs.
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Involves gradually exposing patients to thoughts, feelings, and situations related to their trauma to help them process and manage their reactions.
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Aims to help patients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Involves processing distressing memories of the trauma while focusing on external stimuli like eye movements or hand tapping.
• Medications
  • Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are commonly used to help manage symptoms of PTSD, including depression and anxiety.
• Supportive Care
  • Education about the disorder, stress management techniques, and support from a network of family and friends can be crucial in the recovery process.
• Specialized Treatments
  • In cases where individuals exhibit severe symptoms or have not benefited from other treatments, healthcare professionals may recommend more intensive therapy or inpatient treatment programs.

At Embrace Mind Psychiatry, our team of mental health professionals is dedicated to providing a compassionate and supportive environment to help individuals with PTSD. By utilizing evidence-based treatments, we aim to empower our clients to confront and process their trauma, fostering resilience and hope for a future where they can find healing and recovery.