Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. While it is normal to have some amount of stress reaction after a traumatic event, people with PTSD continue to experience intense, prolonged reactions that interfere with their daily lives. PTSD can affect anyone who has been exposed to a traumatic event, and it is a common condition among war veterans and survivors of physical and sexual assault, abuse, accidents, disasters, and many other traumatic events.
Acute trauma reflects intense distress in the immediate aftermath of a one-time event and the reaction is of short duration. Some examples include a car crash, physical or sexual assault, or the sudden death of a loved one.
Chronic trauma can arise from harmful events that are repeated or prolonged. It can develop in response to persistent bullying, neglect, abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), and domestic violence.
Complex trauma can arise from experiencing repeated or multiple traumatic events from which there is no possibility of escape. The sense of being trapped is a feature of the experience. Like other types of traumas, it can undermine a sense of safety in the world and beget constant, and exhausting, monitoring of the environment for the possibility of threat. (More information about Complex Trauma below).
Vicarious trauma arises from exposure to other people’s suffering and most commonly occurs in professions that are called on to respond to injury and mayhem (e.g., physicians, nurses, first responders, firefighters, and law enforcement).
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) cover a wide range of difficult situations that children either directly face or witness while growing up, before they have developed effective coping skills. ACEs can disrupt the normal course of development and the emotional injury can last long into adulthood. The loss of a parent; neglect; emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; and divorce are among the most common types of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Symptoms of PTSD are generally grouped into four categories:
Intrusive Thoughts
Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event.
Flashbacks (reliving the traumatic event).
Nightmares about the traumatic event.
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds one of the traumatic event.
Avoidance
Avoiding thinking or talking about the traumatic event.
Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind one of the traumatic event.
Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood
Negative thoughts about oneself, other people, or the world.
Hopelessness about the future.
Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event.
Feeling detached from family and friends.
Lack of interest in activities once found enjoyable.
Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
Feeling emotionally numb.
Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions (also known as Arousal Symptoms):
Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.
Always being on guard for danger (hypervigilance).
Overwhelming guilt or shame.
Self-destructive behavior (e.g., substance abuse, reckless driving).
Trouble concentrating or sleeping.
Being easily startled or frightened.
Having a history of mental illness or substance use.
Lack of social support after the event.
Having been exposed to previous traumatic events.
Occupation (e.g., military personnel, first responders).
Gender (females are more likely to develop PTSD than males).
Childhood abuse or adversity.
Diagnosis is typically made by a healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment for PTSD typically includes psychotherapy (counseling), medications, or a combination of both.
Common treatments include:
Psychotherapy: Examples include cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Medications: The most common medications prescribed for PTSD are antidepressants, which can help control symptoms such as sadness, worry, anger, and feeling numb inside. Other medications may be prescribed to help with sleep or to help manage other co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
Coping Strategies: In addition to professional treatment, people with PTSD can also use coping strategies to help manage their symptoms, such as:
Engaging in regular physical activity.
Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, deep-breathing exercises, yoga).
Seeking support from trusted friends, family, or a support group.
Avoiding isolation and staying connected with others.
Pursuing hobbies or activities that bring joy and purpose.
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced prolonged and severe traumatic events. It is closely related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but with some distinct differences in its symptoms and causes.
C-PTSD typically arises from experiencing repeated and chronic trauma over an extended period, often beginning in childhood or during vulnerable developmental stages. The traumatic events that lead to C-PTSD are usually more interpersonal in nature, such as ongoing physical or emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation, or captivity. These experiences can disrupt an individual's sense of safety and security, resulting in lasting psychological consequences.
The symptoms of C-PTSD can be wide-ranging and may persist for months or even years after the traumatic events have ended.
Emotional dysregulation: Individuals with C-PTSD often experience intense and unpredictable emotions, including anger, fear, guilt, and shame.
Negative self-perception: People with C-PTSD may develop a negative self-concept, feelings of worthlessness, and a sense of being fundamentally flawed.
Distorted perceptions of the abuser: C-PTSD can lead to a preoccupation with the abuser or traumatic event, as well as difficulty processing or acknowledging the harm they caused.
Difficulties with relationships: Individuals with C-PTSD may struggle to form and maintain healthy relationships due to trust issues, fear of vulnerability, and difficulties in establishing boundaries.
Changes in beliefs and worldview: C-PTSD can alter an individual's belief system and lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and a loss of meaning in life.
Dissociation: Individuals with C-PTSD may dissociate as a coping mechanism, experiencing detachment from their emotions or surroundings.
Hypervigilance: A heightened state of alertness and sensitivity to potential threats, leading to a constant sense of danger.
Somatic symptoms: Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and other unexplained pains may be present.
Similar to PTSD, the treatment for C-PTSD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and supportive interventions. Therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have been shown to be beneficial in addressing trauma-related symptoms. Additionally, support groups and trauma-informed care can play crucial roles in helping individuals cope with C-PTSD.
It is essential to approach C-PTSD with sensitivity and understanding, recognizing the profound impact of trauma on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with C-PTSD, helping them to heal and move towards recovery.
Click here for more information about Complex Trauma.
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This post was reviewed and edited by a licensed medical professional.