Understanding the causes and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A frightening or life-threatening experience can lead to a mental health condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Discover more here about the causes, symptoms, and viable therapeutic alternatives.

What Is PTSD?

A horrible incident, such as a terrible automobile accident, a deadly tornado that destroys your town, or domestic violence. Is likely to leave you feeling broken and make it difficult for you to cope and adjust. However, with enough time and individualized care, you should be able to manage this post-traumatic stress and carry on with your life.

On the other side, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder if you can't stop thinking about the events and it interferes with your daily functioning (PTSD).

You can develop PTSD by experiencing or witnessing a scary occurrence.

What qualifies as trauma? Some traumatic experiences can be so terrifying and overpowering to people that they can alter. Their physical and psychological reactions to stress in their life, are sometimes permanent. You might be wondering what kinds of trauma can alter our physiological and psychological reactions. Any unforeseen violation of our physical and emotional well-being might be called trauma.

The following are a few of the most typical traumatic experiences that could result in post-traumatic stress disorder:

. The untimely passing of a loved one

. Intensive care unit stay after critical illness, near-death experience, and (ICU). Nearly 25% of ICU survivors have PTSD, according to a Johns Hopkins study from 2015.

. War

. Rape

. Kidnapping

. Natural catastrophes (e.g., tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes)

. Attacks by terrorists

. A vehicle or plane crashes

. Assault

. Physical or sexual abuse

. Childhood neglect

. Similarly to this, a person may get PTSD after watching a tragic event happen to a loved one (such as their child, parent, or significant other)

Not every person who goes through a horrific event develops PTSD. It's common to experience nightmares, feel scared, and have trouble. "Forgetting" what happened, as was previously indicated. Your body is likely developing post-traumatic stress disorder when you become. Locked in a state of terror and shock and your symptoms don't go away or get worse. 

Aspects of PTSD

After a stressful occurrence, it is impossible to predict who would experience post-traumatic stress disorder. According to previous studies, the majority of persons who witness or experience a traumatic event will not get PTSD. 

PTSD symptoms are frequently categorized into kinds. These kinds include avoiding, disturbing recollections, modifications to emotional responses, and detrimental adjustments to thinking and mood. The three most typical signs of post-traumatic stress disorder are emotional detachment, jumpiness, and flashbacks (literally, "jumping out of one's skin"). These symptoms can change in frequency and severity.

Medication for PTSD

To treat post-traumatic stress disorder, medication may be helpful. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are two very advantageous classes of medication.

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which include Zoloft and Paxil, as antidepressant medications for treating PTSD.

Anti-anxiety drugs are frequently administered temporarily to treat severe anxiety issues brought on by PTSD. 

If you have post-traumatic stress disorder, your doctor might also recommend it. A medicine called Prazosin or another nightmare suppressor to help you fall. Asleep more peacefully and with fewer interruptions.