Post-traumatic stress dysfunction: Causes, signs, prognosis, therapy, coping suggestions for PTSD

If you need to perceive the fundamentals of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or delve deep into the intricacies of PTSD, its causes, signs, therapy choices and coping suggestions of this mental health situation to empower you or your family members to beat its challenges, you have got come to the correct place. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, generally referred to as PTSD, is a psychological health situation that impacts folks of all ages, backgrounds and professions and it will possibly develop in people who’ve skilled or witnessed traumatic occasions, which may vary from accidents, pure disasters, fight, bodily or emotional abuse, to the lack of a cherished one.

Causes of PTSD:

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Siddhika Ayyer, Consultant – Psychiatrist at Gleneagles Global Health City in Chennai, shared, “The underlying cause of PTSD lies in the way the brain responds to traumatic events. When an individual experiences a traumatic incident, the brain may perceive it as a threat to survival, triggering the body’s “combat or flight” response. In some cases, this response may not subside even after the danger has passed, leading to the development of PTSD.”

Dr Girishchandra, Senior Consultant – Psychiatry at Aster CMI in Bangalore, revealed, “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can happen if a person experiences a traumatic event, leading them to feel helpless, scared and shocked. Sometimes any type of incident can be traumatic to some people. It can have deep-rooted effects, including anxiety attacks, inability to sleep and flashbacks. Any kind of abuse, losing a loved one, accidents, witnessing war or violence very closely could be the possible triggers. Any event that triggers fear, helplessness or shock may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Dr Harsha GT, Consultant – Psychiatrist at Manipal Hospital in Yeshwanthpur, defined, “The concept of PTSD was recognised in the 19th century in war veterans where the general concept was ‘for those traumatized in a warzone, the war never ends’. PTSD is a common outcome of all types of traumatic events which is characterised by recurrent, intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event where they have flashbacks of the traumatising event in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event was recurring. There are cues, for eg, a war veteran having flashbacks upon hearing a sudden loud noise, where he may act as though he is back on the battlefield and there are associated physiological responses like elevated heart rate, raised blood pressure, and the flight or fight response is activated.”

She elaborated, “The prevalence of PTSD is about 3.76%, more prevalent amongst females. PTSD doesn’t necessarily occur after experiencing an event but can occur after witnessing the event as well. Successfully surviving a terrible accident or even watching one unfold can be extremely traumatic and life-changing. Traumas can extend to a wide variety of traumatic events, from wars and disasters to individual events such as threatened death, serious injury, and rape which are considered as big T traumas. Small t traumas are more common events like humiliation or emotional neglect, yet have a lasting effect on the self or the psyche.”

Symptoms of PTSD:

According to Dr Siddhika Ayyer, PTSD can manifest by means of a big selection of signs, which may differ from individual to individual however among the most typical signs embody:

1. Flashbacks and Nightmares – Individuals with PTSD could expertise intrusive recollections of the traumatic occasion, resulting in vivid flashbacks and distressing nightmares. These experiences might be extremely distressing, inflicting the individual to relive the trauma repeatedly.

2. Avoidance Behaviour – In an try to deal with the overwhelming feelings related to the traumatic occasion, people with PTSD could keep away from locations, folks, or actions that remind them of the incident. Avoidance conduct is a protection mechanism to guard themselves from potential triggers.

3. Hyperarousal – Hyperarousal refers to a state of heightened alertness and excessive vigilance. Individuals with PTSD could really feel always on edge, simply startled, and have issue concentrating or sleeping.

4. Emotional Numbing – People with PTSD could expertise emotional numbness or detachment from their environment. They could discover it difficult to expertise pleasure, love or different optimistic feelings, which may considerably impression their high quality of life.

5. Negative Thoughts and Mood – PTSD usually brings about unfavorable modifications in a person’s thought patterns and temper. They could develop a pessimistic outlook, emotions of guilt or disgrace, and battle with reminiscence issues.

Dr Girishchandra highlighted, “The individual is unable to forget it even though the incident has passed. Over time, instead of getting better, the person would feel scared and restless to the extent that it can disturb one’s day-to-day living. Inability to focus, abrupt mood swings, social withdrawal, inability to sleep, feeling unsafe, crying without a valid reason, inability to cope with stress, an outburst of anger, substance abuse, and lack of interest in living, are the symptoms among adults. Children and teens may have symptoms such as bedwetting and always clinging to loved ones.”

It is regular to really feel low and see the signs in oneself after a trauma. However, it’s best to contemplate visiting a medical practitioner, if:

• Symptoms final for greater than a month

• Symptoms impression one’s day-to-day dwelling and unable to get again to regular life.

• When one experiences self-harming ideas.

Dr Harsha GT asserted, “An additional distinction is made between interpersonal (sexual violence & physical abuse) and non-interpersonal traumas (natural disasters & road traffic accidents) revealing a higher and more severe rate of PTSD in victims of interpersonal trauma. Quality of life is impaired as there is an effort to avoid external reminders where they try to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event, avoid places, activities, or people that remind them of the traumatic event in fear of the trigger of an acute episode of a panic attack or that arouse distressing memories of the traumatic event. In addition, there is a persistent inability to experience positive emotions e.g., inability to experience happiness, difficulty maintaining close relationships, feeling detached from family and friends, and lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. They plan their life in an effort to control and lessen the long-lasting impacts of the traumatic event.”

Diagnosis and therapy:

Pointing out that diagnosing PTSD requires the experience of certified psychological well being professionals, Dr Siddhika Ayyer mentioned, “They will conduct a thorough assessment, evaluating the individual’s symptoms and the impact of the traumatic event on their daily life. The treatment for PTSD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support from loved ones. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in particular, has proven to be highly effective in helping individuals reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may also be prescribed to manage associated symptoms like anxiety and depression.”

Dr Girishchandra added, “PTSD is a complex disorder, and the treatment is multidimensional, which comprises counselling sessions and medications. The therapy sessions would include psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). Your doctor can help you to plan treatment depending on the severity of the trauma. In addition, exercise, physiotherapy, Yoga and meditation sessions help. Do practice self-care and do not hesitate to seek social support and a safe environment which are a crucial element of the treatment.”

Bringing her experience to the identical, Dr Harsha GT mentioned, “Receiving emotional support, learning relaxation techniques, and encouragement to speak about their experiences will decrease the distress associated with PTSD. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) helps with intrusive memories, nightmares, inability to connect emotionally in relationships, and general numbness. Graded exposure therapy – where patients are gradually exposed to cues associated with traumatic memories in order to desensitize them of the event. With repetition, the painful effects of the memories are reduced until they are no longer distressing.”

She recommended, “Alternative approaches –For children who have experienced sexual abuse, play therapy, in which trauma experiences are elicited through art or play material. Yoga is also another non-conventional intervention applied to reduce symptoms of PTSD. The psychological issues resulting in occupational dysfunction can be combated with recognizing the symptoms and receiving the right treatment. From a clinical perspective, training and creating general awareness in order to recognize and encourage to seek treatment. This will help in alleviating the current mental health treatment gap experienced in India.”

Coping methods:

Dr Siddhika Ayyer opined that dealing with PTSD might be difficult however with the correct methods, it’s doable to regain management of 1’s life. She really useful some coping mechanisms that people with PTSD can undertake:

1. Seeking Professional Help – Reaching out to a licensed therapist or counselor skilled in treating PTSD is essential. They can present the mandatory steerage and assist all through the restoration course of.

2. Joining Support Groups – Engaging with others who’ve skilled related traumas might be immensely useful. Support teams provide a protected area for people to share their tales, change coping methods, and supply emotional assist to at least one one other.

3. Practicing Mindfulness – Mindfulness methods, resembling meditation and deep respiratory workout routines, will help people handle nervousness and intrusive ideas. Focusing on the current second can promote a way of calm and cut back stress.

4. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle – Prioritising bodily well being by partaking in common train, getting sufficient sleep, and consuming a balanced weight loss plan can positively impression psychological well-being.

5. Engaging in Creative Outlets – Art, music, writing, and different inventive pursuits can function therapeutic shops for people with PTSD. Expressing feelings by means of inventive means can support in processing trauma.

Dr Siddhika Ayyer concluded, “Understanding the basics of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is essential for anyone seeking to navigate its complexities or support those affected by it. PTSD is a serious mental health condition that requires compassionate and informed care. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, remember that help is available. Reaching out to a mental health professional and adopting coping strategies can make a significant difference in the journey towards healing and recovery.”

Always keep in mind, you aren’t alone on this path. With the correct assist and assets, it’s doable to beat the challenges of PTSD and lead a satisfying life.