Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The event may feel emotionally or physically harmful or even life-threatening. Trauma experienced by a patient may involve abuse, accidents, natural disasters, violence or any serious medical condition.
1–2%
Global population affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment (WHO estimate)
1 in 40
ndians currently living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment
70–80%
Patients improve significantly with structured treatment
50–60%
Treatment Gap in India: Patients do not receive consistent or adequate care
Introduction
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric ailment that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The defining factor of these events is that they are generally life-threatening or extremely emotionally and physically taxing.
Although traumatic experiences can be overwhelming, patients suffering from trauma do not always suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many patients may suffer from distressing symptoms but these emotions tend to settle down without progressing into something serious.
Traumatic Stress Disorder develops through a combination of causes. Traumatic history, genetic vulnerabilities and psychological sensitivity are some of the reasons. These elements interact to affect how a patient processes distressing experiences. Ultimately, emerging symptoms are influenced by exposure to emotional and physical stress.Read on to learn more about the disorder and how it affects a patient’s routine functioning.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder develops after an individual suffers from a life-threatening circumstance. The disorder is commonly diagnosed among war veterans, however, the trauma can affect anybody who has experienced a disaster, accidents, assaults and attacks.
Many other physiological health problems can further complicate recovery, affecting overall well-being and functioning.
3 Types of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:
Acute Stress Disorder
A patient suffers from Acute Stress Disorder immediately after a traumatic event. The stress causes intense fear, distress and intrusive symptoms. If these symptoms continue for more than a month, the condition then turns into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder arises from repeated or long-lasting trauma. The effects include emotional dysregulation, negative self-beliefs and interpersonal difficulties. Patients suffer from a deeper psychological impact that goes beyond the core symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Comorbid Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurs when other symptoms of mental health disorders are also present simultaneously. Patients suffer from depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Timely diagnosis becomes harder which later requires an integrated and comprehensive treatment.
Two Types of Dissociative Symptoms are:
- De-realisation is when a patient feels as though the world is unreal and distant. Patients seem distorted and full and seem to move unusually fast or painfully slow.
- Depersonalisation is when patients create a distance from their own personalities. Patients create a sense of detachment from themselves and feel emotionally numb. They feel emotionally numb and distant from their physical experiences.
Causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Here are the 5 most commonly recognised causes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:
Traumatic Experiences
Traumatic experiences such as sexual violence, warfare and natural disasters to name a few can overwhelm a patient’s ability to cope. Problems arise when these events go beyond the emotional capacity which increases the likelihood of getting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Genetic Factors
Genetics and biological predispositions influence the risk of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Patients with a family history of mental health issues or heightened emotional reactivity are more susceptible to developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Inherited vulnerability shapes how minds and bodies respond to stressful situations.
Neurological Factors
Brain-based factors contribute to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Certain structural changes in the amygdala and hippocampus regulate fear and memory. Imbalances in neurotransmitters can upset the balance of cortisol in the body. This impairs emotional bonding and increases the vulnerability of trauma-related symptoms.
Neurobiological Factors
Neurobiological disruptions also affect the capacity for memory storage. Dysregulation of emotions and psychological influences shape how patients recover after experiencing highly distressing events. Long-term mental stability of patients depends on factors such as the way of interpreting and storing details of challenging circumstances.
Social and Environmental Factors
Social and environmental factors heighten the risk of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Limited support systems and ongoing stress intensify the stress of trauma. Patients living in unstable living environments may be immature emotionally, worsening the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Here are the most common signs and symptoms exhibited by patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder:
Emotional Numbness
Hopelessness and emotional numbness make a person persistently despair. Patients live with the fact that improvement is highly unlikely. This leads to depression, sadness and low levels of motivation. Patients are under significant emotional distress making them more vulnerable to depression.
Memory Loss
Partial memory loss occurs as a protective psychological response. This helps patients block overwhelming emotions and move on in life. However, if left unchecked, it also leads to a confused state of mind and difficulty in processing the full impact of the trauma.
Difficulty Concentrating
Concentration problems involve trouble focusing on important aspects of life. Patients suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder experience mental fog and reduced attention span. This affects decision-making prowess and heightens emotional arousal which ruins the practicality of a human.
Flashbacks and Nightmares
Patients suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder have hyper-realistic dreams and nightmares. Even when awake, events of the traumatic experience reappear in front of the patients. These nightmares disrupt sleep, cause chronic insomnia and may also worsen anxiety.
Avoidance
Avoidance includes steering away from memories, emotions, people and situations that remind a patient of the traumatic event. This prevents emotional healing and reinforces fear, limiting growth and routine activities.
Inability to experience positive emotions
Patients feel desolate and indulge in self-pity. They are not able to recover from the accident fully which makes them uncomfortable in social settings. Patients do not feel good even after grooming themselves as the trauma remains unaddressed.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT effectively treats Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by altering the negative thought process of a patient. Trauma-related insecurities and symptoms are brought under control by changing thoughts, emotions and behavioural responses.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy exposes patients to trauma-related memories. Triggers are managed under controlled circumstances, fear is reduced and coping mechanisms are also strengthened. Negative interpretations of reality are often replaced with balanced ones.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Prolonged Exposure Therapy exposes a patient to trauma memories but gradually. They are exposed to the same triggers in a controlled setting with the aim of reducing fear. Coping mechanisms are more thorough as traumatic events are recreated therapeutically.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps process traumatic memories. Repeated sessions gradually alter how memories are experienced to reduce their emotional intensity and associated stress.
Group and Family Therapy
Group therapy provides supportive sharing among trauma survivors. This therapy helps in generalising the problems and introduces a sense of camaraderie. Family therapy also serves a similar purpose. The family is counselled about the situation and educated about the management of the patient’s condition when exposed to trauma.
Managing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Independently
Maintaining Physical Health
Patients must maintain their physical health by staying active. Swimming, yoga, running and going for a brisk walk are some of the best exercises that ensure proper movement. A patient’s gut health is maintained which has a direct impact on the psychology of a person.
Including Hobbies In Routine
Knitting, sewing, gardening, or any other form of recreational activity that takes a person close to nature is always beneficial for the human body. These hobbies regulate the circulation of blood and ground a person to the most basic fundamentals of human existence.
Forming a Support Group
A support of trusted friends is essential to whom a patient can vent out his or her emotions. Patients can interact with others by participating in support groups wherein people who have suffered from the same ailment share their experiences. This validation of emotions makes patients feel better and more confident.
Active Journaling
Actively journaling thoughts and experiences helps patients realise their flaws. When patients jot down their thoughts, experiences and emotions, they become more aware of their emotions. They count the number of times they felt unreasonably emotional and the best way to control themselves. Patients can set goals for and improve by performing better.
Call our 24-hour free confidential helpline.
Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our treatment programs, admission process, and what to expect during your recovery journey
How to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder independently?
The best post-traumatic stress disorder treatment plan includes combining psychotherapy with medication. A customised approach framed by mental health experts must also include stress-management training and following healthy routines. Consistent counselling ensures sustainable recovery and more.
What are the 7 symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Joining self-help groups and reading research papers will help a patient recover from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder independently. Active journaling, creating a support group and including hobbies in routine helps keep the mind engaged productively.
What are the 5 essential ways to help a patient suffering from a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder episode?
Remaining hyperactive and hyper alert at all times, feeling tense, persistent negative feelings, poor concentration, increased irritability, poor sleep cycle and engaging in aggressive behaviour are the 7 most prominent symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
What type of mental disorder is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
5 ways to help a patient suffering from a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder episode are staying calm, learning about the disorder and providing emotional stability. The fourth effective method is getting professional help at the right time and not judging a person when he or she reacts in a situation rather than responding.
What is the best psychotherapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the best psychotherapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Patients are trained to alter their negative thought processes to internalize the ignored emotion properly. Once his or her situation is accepted by a patient, therapists train them to grow out their grief and live life strongly.
Experts Who Will Guide Your Recovery
Dr. Prashant Dasud
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 14+
Illnesses:
Depression & Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders, OCD, Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Sleep Disorders
Geriatric Mental Health Issues
Dr. Santosh Pawar
Designation: M.D. (Radiodiagnosis)
Experience: 12+
Illnesses:
CT / MRI, Dementia & Memory Disorder, Neuro-radiological Evaluation, pine & Nerve Imaging,Head Injury & Neurological, Diagnostic Support for Mental Health
Dr. Neha Shetty
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 11+
Illnesses:
Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychosis, OCD, Drug Addiction,Mental Health Issues
