Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be caused by natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and even assault at work or child abuse at home. Any event that is frightening or traumatic can result in long-lasting and debilitating symptoms that affect not just the survivor, but friends and family as well.
The signs or symptoms of post-traumatic stress can occur immediately after the traumatic experience, or many months later.
Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Feeling numb and hopeless is common in people with PTSD. So are signs of depression, loss of interest in the world, and losing interest in previously enjoyable activities, like sexual intimacy or old friendships. Extreme passivity and numbness can be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder, perhaps signaling learned helplessness. Survivors of post-traumatic stress don't act or feel as affectionate or light-hearted as they once were.
Many people deny the traumatic experience, or they "intellectualize" it. Survivors of post-traumatic stress either ignore it entirely or talk about it but dissociate their feelings from it. Others relive it in flashbacks when they're awake or nightmares when they're asleep. These relived events are filled with the same fear and lack of control as the original traumatic experience. Survivors of post-traumatic stress could act and feel like the trauma is actually occurring; their terror and anxiety is emotionally overwhelming.
Survivors of post-traumatic stress always expect danger. They can be irritable, anxious, moody, aggressive, agitated, and easily startled. People with PTSD could develop phobias to things that were present during the event. Insomnia and disrupted sleep are common. Signs of post-traumatic stress include outbursts of anger or rage.
Post-traumatic stress survivors can find it difficult to resume their normal life and activities. Survivors of post-traumatic stress can't just go back to the way things were – for them, everything has changed (even if they don't admit it).
Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Must Last More Than a Month
For a diagnosis of PTSD, signs of post-traumatic stress must last more than a month. The symptoms usually arise within three months of the traumatic event; how long they last and how severe they are depends on personality, level of anxiety, and amount of social support (or counseling).
Treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Psychotherapy. For most sufferers, cognitive-behavioral therapy may successfully treat post-traumatic stress: cognitive therapy, stress inoculation training, visualization techniques, etc. These treatments for post traumatic stress can't be done alone – psychologists or counselors who specialize in cognitive-behavioral training lead this therapy. Once the training is learned, post-traumatic stress survivors can practice it on their own.
- Trauma Support Groups. Simply being in the company of others who have experienced the same trauma, or any traumatic event, can provide comfort and security. Sharing experiences and signs of post traumatic stress with others who have "been there" may reduce feelings of terror and helplessness. Finding a good trauma support group – where honesty, health, and shared communication are the keystones – is important in dealing with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Medication for Post-Traumatic Stress. Psychiatrists and "regular" doctors can prescribe Zoloft, Paxil, Depakote (if mania is involved), and sleep disturbance drugs. Most medications that help with surviving post-traumatic stress disorder involve serotonin reuptake, which stabilizes and even lifts moods.
A combination of treatments may be most successful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder – or any anxiety disorder, phobia, or psychological disorder.
For more information on PTSD, read Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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