PTSD Psychology | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD Psychology

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? 

PTSD, sometimes called PTSD, is a stressful anxiety disorder that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

The event may involve a real or foreseeable threat of injury or death, and may include a natural disaster, war, sexual or physical assault, the unexpected death of a loved one, or any other trauma.

People who have PTSD experience a strong sense of danger, which makes them feel stressed or afraid, even in safe situations. PTSD can occur to anyone at any age.

It appears as a response to chemical changes in the brain after exposure to traumatic events, and PTSD is not the result of a personality defect or weakness.

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms PTSD

PTSD symptoms can disrupt your normal activities and ability to function, and symptoms may be triggered by words, sounds or situations that remind you of the trauma.

Symptoms are divided into main groups:

1. Re-experiment

The affected person frequently experiences flashbacks through:

• Flashbacks in which the patient feels as if the event is happening over and over again.
• Vivid and intrusive memories of the event.
• Recurring nightmares about the event.
• Mental or physical discomfort when remembering things about the event.

2. Avoidance

A person may avoid people, places, or situations that might remind them of the event, causing:

• Emotional indifference.
• Separation and isolation from family and friends.
• Lack of interest in daily activities.
• Amnesia for the actual event.
• Inability to express feelings.

3. Excitement and excitement

This may include the following symptoms:

• difficulty concentrating
• An exaggerated response to horrific events.
• Feeling stressed or anxious.
• Constant feeling of caution.
• irritability
• outbursts of anger
• Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

4. Perception and mood

Which may include negative feelings and beliefs as follows:

• Negative thoughts about oneself or the world.
• Guilt and blame.
• Trouble remembering the event.
• Decreased interest in pleasurable activities.

5. Other symptoms

In addition, people who have PTSD may experience depression and panic attacks, which can cause:

• Excitement.
• irritability
• dizziness
• fainting
• Rapid heartbeat.

Causes of post-traumatic stress disorder Or PTSD 

Researchers don't know why some people develop PTSD and others don't, but genetics, neurobiology, personality and risk factors may influence the likelihood of developing PTSD after a traumatic event.

PTSD diagnosis

There is no specific test for diagnosing PTSD, and the condition can be difficult to diagnose, because people with PTSD may be reluctant to recall or discuss the trauma or their symptoms.

A mental health professional can diagnose the condition through a physical and mental health exam. A PTSD diagnosis requires the following to occur for one month or more:

• At least one experience of re-experiment.
• At least one symptom of avoidance.
• At least two symptoms of excitement and agitation.
• At least two symptoms of cognition and mood.

Symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with daily activities, such as going to work, school, or being around friends and family.

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment :

If PTSD is diagnosed, your doctor will likely prescribe a combination of treatments, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: which encourages you to remember the traumatic event and express your feelings about it, can help you desensitize to the trauma and reduce symptoms.

• Support groups: where you can discuss your feelings with other people who have PTSD, this will help you realize that your symptoms are not strange and that you are not alone.

• Medications: These include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and sleep aids to reduce the frequency of frightening thoughts and help you get some rest.

How to deal with the PTSD 

It's worth noting that many people with PTSD turn to illegal drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms.
While these methods may temporarily relieve PTSD symptoms, they don't treat the underlying cause of the stress and can even make some symptoms worse, so if you're having a problem with substance abuse, turn to your medical advisor.

And if you're experiencing symptoms of PTSD, remember that you're not alone, and here's how to deal with it:

Recognizing the illness: Learning about PTSD will help you understand your feelings and how to deal with them effectively.

Seek help: If you have recurring disturbing thoughts, cannot control your actions, or have a fear of hurting yourself or others, seek help immediately.

Psychotherapy: An important tool to help you deal with PTSD symptoms, it can help you identify and manage symptom triggers and address your fears.

Healthy lifestyle: Living a healthy lifestyle and taking care of yourself will also help with PTSD, so do the following:

1. Make sure you eat a balanced diet.
2. Do exercises.
3. Avoid anything that could make stress or anxiety worse.

Get support: Support from friends and family is also helpful, and there are special support groups for this disorder all over the country and most likely in your area.