What is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a widespread mental health condition known to affect millions worldwide. In the United States alone, approximately 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) experience PTSD annually, while an estimated 3.9% of the global population has encountered PTSD at some point in their lives.[1,2]

Understanding PTSD and trauma-related conditions, how it starts, common symptoms, and treatment options available sheds light on its profound impact on you, your family, and society as a whole.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition you can develop when you experience or witness traumatic events, causing potentially long-lasting and distressing symptoms.[3] These events include accidents, disasters, violence, sexual assault, or other life-threatening situations. Symptoms manifest in various ways, depending on the person, impacting your daily life and relationships. These symptoms can arise shortly after the trauma or develop months later.

Related: Could I Have PTSD?

What are the Symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD can be categorized into four main groups:[4]

• Intrusive memories: You may experience recurrent, unwanted, and distressing memories of the traumatic event, which may involve flashbacks, nightmares, and severe emotional distress or physical reactions when reminded of the event.
• Avoidance: When you experience PTSD, you may try to avoid the things that trigger memories of the traumatic event, including people, places, situations, thoughts, or feelings. Also known as traumatic event avoidance symptoms. This can lead to feelings of detachment, a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, and an overall sense of numbness.
• Negative changes in mood and thinking: Symptoms can include persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame, a negative self-image, difficulty maintaining close relationships, and a sense of hopelessness about the future. PTSD may also impact your memory, making it difficult to recall specific details of the event or other significant moments in life.
• Emotional and physical reactions: Coping with PTSD, you may struggle with irritability, angry outbursts, problems with concentration or sleep, exaggerated startle responses, and self-destructive behaviors.

Symptoms of PTSD may vary in severity over time. They can disrupt daily life, challenging you to maintain personal relationships, work or study routines, and a general sense of well-being.

Are There Different Kinds of PTSD?

Posttraumatic stress disorder is a distinct mental health diagnosis that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma can also contribute to various mental health conditions, apart from PTSD, each stemming from different experiences and circumstances:[5]

• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): This condition often arises from prolonged, repeated trauma, such as ongoing childhood abuse or exposure to war zones. It involves similar symptoms to PTSD but can also include extreme difficulties in emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and a distorted self-image.
• Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): Similar to PTSD, ASD occurs shortly after a traumatic event and involves similar symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in mood or cognition, and hyperarousal. However, ASD typically resolves within a short period after the event, whereas PTSD persists for longer.
• Adjustment Disorders: While not specific to trauma, adjustment disorders can develop after a stressful life event, including trauma. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, and behavioral disturbances, which impair functioning and typically resolve within six months once the stressor is removed or you adjust.
• Dissociative Disorders: These disorders involve disruptions or breakdowns of memory, awareness, identity, or perception. Dissociation can occur in response to trauma, leading to conditions such as dissociative amnesia, dissociative identity disorder (DID), or depersonalization/derealization disorder.
• Other Specified Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders: This category includes disorders that do not fully meet the criteria for PTSD but still cause significant distress or impairment. Examples include adjustment disorders related to specific stressors and reactive attachment disorder, which develops in children who have experienced severe neglect or maltreatment.

Traumatic experiences can increase the risk of developing a co-occurring mental health condition as well, which refers to the presence of mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. People who have experienced trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of self-medication to cope with their emotional pain and distressing symptoms.[6] Over time, this can lead to addiction and further complications in their overall well-being.

What Causes PTSD?

The development of PTSD stems from exposure to types of trauma or traumatic events that overwhelm your ability to cope. These past events, whether recent or stemming from childhood, can include direct experiences of violence, accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing traumatic incidents.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Trauma triggers a complex interplay of physiological and psychological responses, including the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body for fight-or-flight reactions.[7]

Factors influencing the development of PTSD include the severity and duration of the trauma, your proximity to the event, and the perceived level of threat. Personal resilience and coping mechanisms also play a crucial role; if you have a strong support network and effective coping skills, you may be less susceptible to developing PTSD.

Neurobiological factors can lead you to develop PTSD as well. Trauma can alter brain function, particularly in memory, emotion regulation, and fear response. Changes in neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood and stress responses, may also occur.

Risk factors for PTSD include previous traumatic experiences, childhood adversity, pre-existing mental health conditions, and a lack of social support. Certain personality traits, such as impulsivity or negative thinking patterns, can also increase vulnerability.

How Does PTSD Affect My Daily Life?

PTSD can significantly impact daily functioning, influencing various aspects of life ranging from relationships to work and overall well-being, including:[8]

• Disrupted daily activities: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares can interfere with concentration and tasks.
• Relationship challenges: Emotional numbness, avoidance behaviors, irritability, and difficulty trusting others may strain social interactions.
• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, frequent waking due to nightmares, and resultant daytime fatigue can impair daily functioning.
• Hyperarousal symptoms: Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle responses may make it hard to relax or feel safe.
• Physical health: Chronic stress from PTSD can lead to headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular problems.
• Occupational issues: Difficulty concentrating, absenteeism, and strained relationships at work can affect job performance.

Does PTSD Ever Go Away?

Healing from PTSD is a complex and gradual process.  As a result, treating trauma-based conditions can be challenging to cope with due to several factors:[9]

• Traumatic memories are stored differently in the brain: Unlike regular memories, traumatic memories can become “stuck,” leading to distressing flashbacks and nightmares. This unique storage process makes it difficult to process and resolve traumatic experiences.
• Individual coping mechanisms vary: Each person’s response to trauma differs, and what works for one person may not work for you. Personal coping mechanisms and resilience play a crucial role in healing, making it a highly individualized process.
• Comorbid conditions can complicate treatment: PTSD often coexists with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse. These comorbid conditions can worsen PTSD symptoms and hinder the effectiveness of treatment.
• The stigma associated with mental health: You may avoid seeking help due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Shame, embarrassment, or a desire to appear strong can prevent you from accessing the support you need.

Despite these challenges, healing from PTSD is possible with proper treatment, support, and time. Professionals can help you develop coping strategies, process your trauma, and regain a sense of control over your life.

What are my Treatment Options for PTSD?

Reaching out to a mental health professional is the first step in a journey toward overcoming the effects of trauma in your life. Treatment options for PTSD can help you manage and overcome your symptoms through various approaches, tailored to your unique experiences and needs including:

Mental Health Treatment Programs

Different levels of care, such as residential, inpatient, outpatient, online, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP), cater to varying needs and severity of symptoms. Inpatient care provides 24/7 support and monitoring, while outpatient care allows you to receive treatment while maintaining daily routines. Virtual IOPs offer intensive treatment for PTSD in a remote setting, ensuring security, accessibility and flexibility.

Related: What is the Difference Between Inpatient Vs Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?

Psychotherapy

Various therapeutic approaches, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), can help you process trauma and develop healthy coping strategies. Talk therapy can be delivered by a licensed mental health professional in individual, group, or family settings, either in-person or online.

Medication

Healthcare professionals may prescribe medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants, to alleviate PTSD symptoms like anxiety, mood symptoms and depression, or sleep disturbances. They will monitor effectiveness and potential side effects to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

Support Groups

In-person or online support groups create safe environments for sharing experiences and fostering emotional support among individuals with similar mental health challenges.

Self-Care and Stress Management Techniques

Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, relaxation techniques, and healthy routines contribute to overall well-being and resilience to PTSD symptoms. Prioritizing self care can have positive effects when it comes to your physical, emotional, and mental health.

Family and Couples Therapy

Engaging loved ones in therapy strengthens support networks and enhances communication, creating a stable home environment that promotes healing.

Find the Right Treatment Option for You

Collaborate closely with mental health professionals to devise a personalized treatment plan addressing specific symptoms and needs. Healing from PTSD takes time and patience, and seeking help is a critical first step towards healing.

Start Healing from PTSD and Trauma with Clear

Taking the first step towards healing from PTSD and trauma can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Clear Behavioral Health is here to guide and support you on your journey to a healthier and more fulfilling life. We understand the unique needs of each individual and tailor our treatment plans accordingly. Our range of services includes inpatient, outpatient, and virtual intensive outpatient programs, ensuring that you receive the level of care that best suits your circumstances.

Don’t let PTSD and trauma continue to control your life. Reach out to Clear Behavioral Health today to learn more about our mental health residential treatment for severe cases, outpatient mental health programs, and virtual IOP serving all of California. Our personalized treatment options can help you reclaim your future and break free from the symptoms of PTSD and trauma.

References:

1. National Center for PTSD. (2023, February 3). How Common Is PTSD in Adults? U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp on July 15, 2024
2. World Health Organization. (2024, May 27). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder on July 15, 2024
3. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd on July 15, 2024
4. MedlinePlus. (2019). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Medlineplus.gov; National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/posttraumaticstressdisorder.html on July 15, 2024
5. Shalev, A. Y. (2009). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Stress-Related Disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 32(3), 687–704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2009.06.001 on July 15, 2024
6. Abuse, N. I. on D. (2024, February 6). Trauma and Stress | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Nida.nih.gov. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trauma-and-stress on July 15, 2024
7. SAMHSA. (2023, February 8). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Www.samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder on July 15, 2024
8. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2014). Effects of PTSD – PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Va.gov. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/effects_ptsd.asp on July 15, 2024
9. Cleveland Clinic. (2021, January 20). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9545-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd on July 15, 2024