Post-traumatic stress disorder: Everything You Must Know

Stress is a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. This can cause a serious toll on your mental well-being and weaken your immune system. Post-traumatic stress disorder can negatively impact your quality of life.

Post traumatic stress disorder Flowood treatment by specialists can help you manage symptoms and live a more normal, healthy life.

Post traumatic stress disorder- background information

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue that usually develops after a distressing event. The event may be shocking, life-threatening, or dangerous.

The following events can lead to PTSD:

  • Military combat
  • Natural calamities, like a hurricane or tornado
  • Accident
  • Fire
  • Sudden death of a loved one
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual assault or rape
  • Home invasions
  • Loss of a job
  • Separation from your spouse
  • Fatal illnesses like cancer or AIDS

Women are more likely to suffer from PTSD than men since they tend to experience trauma differently.

Post traumatic stress disorder– manifestations and signs

PTSD symptoms may vary from person to person. These usually include the following:

  • Avoiding people or situations that may remind you of the event
  • Feeling anxious and nervous
  • A feeling of numbness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Poor concentration and memory
  • Being easily startled
  • Having a constant fear of danger
  • Feeling sad, lonely, hopeless, or distressed
  • Having flashbacks or dreams of the event
  • A feeling of detachment from family and friends
  • Relationship challenges
  • Irritability and angry outbursts
  • Aggressive behavior

Children with PTSD may cling to a parent or adult, develop bedwetting habits, act extremely irritated and cranky, and may also act out the traumatic event while playing.

Post traumatic stress disorder- management

The most effective management of PTSD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy (trauma-focused therapy).

Medications 

Some drugs are useful since they help your body produce substances that can control stress and emotions. These include:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Behavioral therapy

This involves evaluation of the events and its interpretation, and counseling. It can be done in the following ways:

  • Cognitive processing therapy
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Prolonged exposure therapy

Takeaway

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental issue that can be triggered due to traumatic events. This requires early evaluation and treatment since if left untreated symptoms can worsen. Treatment can either cure PTSD or can make symptoms less intense. Medications, counseling, and behavioral therapy can be beneficial.

However, if you feel like you might hurt yourself or someone else, seek medical help immediately.

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