Post traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. In this article, we will explore what post traumatic stress disorder is, its symptoms, causes, and how it can be treated.

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post traumatic stress disorder is a condition that can develop after someone goes through a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist act, war/combat, rape, or other violent personal assault. People with post traumatic stress disorder often relive the traumatic event through flashbacks and nightmares, and they may feel intense anxiety and have uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder can vary from person to person but generally fall into four categories:

1. Intrusive Memories:

   – Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event.

   – Flashbacks (reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again).

   – Nightmares about the traumatic event.

   – Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event.

2. Avoidance:

   – Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event.

   – Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event.

3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood:

   – Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world.

   – Hopelessness about the future.

   – Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event.

   – Difficulty maintaining close relationships.

   – Feeling detached from family and friends.

   – Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions:

   – Being easily startled or frightened.

   – Always being on guard for danger.

   – Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast.

   – Trouble sleeping.

   – Trouble concentrating.

   – Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.

   – Overwhelming guilt or shame.

Causes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder can occur in anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. The exact cause is not known, but several factors may contribute to the development of post traumatic stress disorder:

1. Stressful Experiences: The severity and duration of the traumatic event.

2. Inherited Mental Health Risks: Family history of anxiety and depression.

3. Inherited Features of Your Personality: Often called your temperament.

4. The Way Your Brain Regulates Chemicals and Hormones: Released in response to stress.

Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder is treatable, and many people recover with the right care. Treatment often includes:

1. Psychotherapy:

   – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you process and evaluate your thoughts and feelings about the trauma.

   – Exposure Therapy: Helps you safely face situations and memories that you find frightening so you can learn to cope with them.

   – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Combines exposure therapy with guided eye movements to help you process traumatic memories.

2. Medication:

   – Antidepressants: These can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

   – Anti-Anxiety Medications: These can relieve severe anxiety and related problems.

   – Prazosin: This medication can reduce or suppress nightmares in some people with post traumatic stress disorder.

3. Support Groups:

   – Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can provide emotional support and understanding.

Post traumatic stress disorder is a serious condition that can affect anyone who has gone through a traumatic event. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for post traumatic stress disorder can help those affected find the right support and care. If you or someone you know is struggling with post traumatic stress disorder, seeking professional help is crucial. With appropriate treatment and support, individuals with post traumatic stress disorder can lead fulfilling lives.

By spreading awareness about post traumatic stress disorder and promoting effective treatment strategies, we can help improve the lives of those affected by this condition.