Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Post traumatic stress disorder
Many think of combat veterans when talking about post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However anyone who witnesses or experiences an event or events that involve actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violation is at risk to develop PTSD. These events can be as wide ranging as a car accident, natural disaster, witnessing a crime, workplace accident or traumatic birth experience. Individuals who learn of a close relative or friend involved in death or threatened death and professionals (e.g. first responders) repeatedly exposed to the traumatic details can also be diagnosed with PTSD.
PTSD Symptom Clusters
In order to be diagnosed with PTSD, a doctor or clinician will look for symptoms from each of four symptom clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity.
The symptoms adults experience may vary. For a few people, the symptoms become so severe they cannot take care of themselves.
Children may show symptoms like repetitive play or physical problems such as stomachaches and headaches. Just as the symptoms differ, so does the onset of PTSD. While symptoms typically appear within three months of the traumatic event, it can be many months or even years later that people begin to have problems.
The good news is that PTSD can be treated. If someone you know experienced a trauma, encourage them to get help dealing with the event. The sooner they talk about it and work on it, the better off they will be and the less likely they are to experience PTSD.
INTRUSION
- Involuntary & recurrent memories
- Traumatic nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Intense or prolonged distress after exposure to reminders
AVOIDANCE
Avoiding trauma-related
- Thoughts
- Feelings
- People
- Places
- Conversations
- Activities
- Objects
- Situations
COGNITION & MOOD CHANGES
- Can’t recall key features of event
- Negative beliefs about self or world
- Distorted blame
- Persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame
- Diminished interest in activities
- Feeling alienated
- Inability to feel positive emotions
AROUSAL & REACTIVITY CHANGES
- Irritable or aggressive
- Self-destructive
- Hypervigilance
- Exaggerated startle response
- Problems with concentration
- Sleep problems
How Pine Rest Can Help
We provide treatment at all levels to help individuals dealing with post traumatic stress including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a psychotherapy—or talk therapy—which can help you process upsetting memories, thoughts, and feelings related to the trauma and get relief from PTSD symptoms.
Tips & Info From Our Experts
Mental Health Tips in the Wake of Trauma
When tragedy occurs, our sense of well-being feels violated. Elizza LeJeune, LMSW, offers tips on how to care for ourselves in the wake of trauma.
Caring For Yourself When There’s Traumatic News
Disturbing and traumatic news of terrorism, violence and natural disasters can lead to PSTD-like symptoms. Learn how to recognize the signs and care for yourself.
Beyond PTSD: How Moral Injury Affects Veterans After Service
By listening, learning and showing empathy, we help create a culture where veterans feel safe to share their stories and seek support without shame. That kind of understanding is one of the greatest ways we can truly honor their service.
PTSD and Trauma: Not Just for Veterans
Anyone can develop PTSD when they experience or witness a traumatic event—adult or child, man or woman.