Understanding PTSD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Standing for post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD is a mental disorder. After being exposed to traumatic events, people can begin to experience flashbacks, stress, anxiety, or nightmares that are triggered by these traumatic events. 

This mental health condition is becoming increasingly recognized. As such, PTSD can be treated in a variety of ways. One such method is EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy). Click here for high-quality Online EMDR Training.

This guide will help you to cultivate a better understanding of PTSD by telling you everything you need to know about it, including the symptoms, causes, and potential treatments.

Understanding PTSD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What is PTSD?

As mentioned, post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety condition that occurs after witnessing something traumatic or frightening. 

Causes of PTSD

PTSD is caused by a traumatic event. This distressing event can take numerous forms. Some of the most common causes of this condition include:

• Sexual assault

• Road accidents

• Military combat

• Robberies and kidnappings

• Violence and assault

• Childbirth related-problems, such as miscarriages

• Bullying, including homophobia, sexism, or racism

• Health issues

• Natural disasters

This mental health problem is common among people who have experienced traumatic events. Anybody who has witnessed a stressful event can develop this disorder. 

However, certain risk factors, such as depression, can increase a person’s chances of suffering from PTSD. Moreover, people who experienced trauma at a young age are more likely to have this condition. Research has also found that women are at a higher risk rate for PTSD.

The exact reason why people suffer from PTSD is not yet known. Some experts have theorized that this could be a survival method. 

Symptoms of PTSD

A sufferer of PTSD will begin to re-experience traumatic events in the shape of flashbacks and nightmares. Often, sufferers will begin to experience these symptoms within the first month following the event, but it can take longer for some people. This is the primary symptom of PTSD.

This symptom can cause a range of different problems. For example, insomnia is prevalent among PTSD sufferers. Insomnia refers to the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Another essential symptom of PTSD is hyperarousal. This refers to a constant state of heightened anxiety, also known as “feeling on edge”. Consequently, people with PTSD may be unable to relax. Instead, they will find it hard to concentrate. In addition, PTSD patients are often irritable, regularly displaying outbursts of anger. 

Avoidance is also a symptom of PTSD. People who have this mental and behavioral condition will attempt to avoid memories of this triggering event. Sufferers will avoid talking about this event and anything that reminds them of it, such as specific locations.

If you have been experiencing these symptoms, it can be worth contacting a medical professional. It’s recommended that you see a doctor if you are continuing to experience a doctor if you have been having these symptoms for more than 4 weeks. 

Alternatively, you should contact a medical professional if your PTSD symptoms are particularly intense or seriously affecting your life.

Treatment Options For PTSD

There are a few different treatment options that people with PTSD can use. These treatments can only be provided once a patient has been assessed for PTSD. During this assessment, a medical professional will need to ask you questions about your condition, including any symptoms that you have.

If this medical professional believes that you require treatment, they will likely refer you to one of the following treatment options: 

Talking Therapies

Talking therapy is a form of counseling that is used to treat psychological conditions. This treatment will involve talking to a strained therapist. This specialist will help patients to better understand their condition. 

EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of structured psychotherapy. This treatment will be tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient. 

CBT

Referring to cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT is a form of talking therapy. This treatment will involve making changes in the way that you act and feel toward the condition. 

Medicine

Alongside therapy, certain medicines can be prescribed to treat PTSD. Sertraline and paroxetine are the two most common antidepressants used as treatments.

Final Thoughts

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can lead to a range of anxiety-inducing symptoms, including nightmares and flashbacks. If you have been part of a frightening event and have noticed some of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s advised that you seek treatment. The good news is that there is a range of treatment options available to people afflicted with this disorder, including EMDR.