Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Not everyone who goes through a traumatic event develops PTSD. Some factors that increase the chances of developing PTSD include:

• Previous traumatic experiences, especially in childhood
• Suffering injuries or witnessing harm or death
• Feelings of intense fear, helplessness, or horror 
• Lacking social support after the event
• Dealing with additional stressors post-trauma, like losing a loved one, experiencing pain or injury, or losing a job or home
• A personal or family history of mental health issues or substance use

On the other hand, certain factors can help with resilience and reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD. These include:

• Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
• Coming to terms with your actions in response to the traumatic event
• Developing coping strategies to manage and learn from the trauma
• Being prepared to handle upsetting events as they occur, even when feeling fear

Re-experiencing symptoms can be triggered by thoughts, emotions, words, objects, or situations linked to the traumatic event. Symptoms may include:

• Unwanted and intrusive memories and thoughts about the event
• Vivid flashbacks of the traumatic incident
• Nightmares
• Emotional distress and physical signs of stress

Avoidance can lead to changes in your daily routines. Avoidance symptoms may include:

• Avoiding people, objects, places, and situations associated with the traumatic experience
• Steering clear of the memories and thoughts about the traumatic event
• Avoiding your emotions and discussions about the experience

Arousal and reactivity symptoms result from changes in physical and emotional reactivity. These symptoms are often persistent and can disrupt daily activities. The symptoms may include:

• Persistent feelings of tension, being on guard, or edginess
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability, anger, or outbursts
• Reckless or self-destructive behavior
• Being easily startled or frightened
• Trouble sleeping

Cognition and mood symptoms can lead to a sense of disconnection and emotional numbness. These symptoms worsen over time and may include:

• Feeling hopeless about the future
• Difficulty remembering important details of the traumatic event
• Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
• Persistent negative emotions like fear, anger, guilt, or shame
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• A sense of detachment and estrangement from others
• An inability to feel positive emotions

PTSD can coincide with other conditions like depression, substance abuse, memory issues, and more.

Children with PTSD may struggle to express their feelings or have hidden trauma. They may appear restless, fidgety, or have trouble with attention and organization, which can be mistaken for ADHD. Consult a child psychologist or specialist for an accurate PTSD diagnosis for your child.

Younger children under six may:

• Wet the bed after being potty-trained
• Forget how to talk or have trouble speaking
• Act out the traumatic event in their play
• Become very clingy to a parent or adult
• Experience nightmares

Older children and teenagers often show symptoms similar to adults, including disruptive, disrespectful behavior, guilt, and thoughts of revenge.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the primary treatment for PTSD. During psychotherapy sessions, our mental health expert will help you understand and resolve your difficult feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. 

Different types of psychotherapy may be used for treating cases of PTSD, including:

1. Cognitive processing therapy
2. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
3. Group therapy
4. Prolonged exposure therapy
5. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

We provide both individual therapy and family therapy sessions to ensure a comprehensive approach to healing. Family therapy can help loved ones better understand your experience and offer the support needed for recovery.

Some medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD and may help you participate more effectively in psychotherapy. Medications for treating PTSD include:

1. Antidepressants
2. Anti-anxiety medications

Our team will collaborate with you to find the most suitable medication with minimal side effects for your condition. 

While not everyone with PTSD requires psychiatric treatment, it's crucial if you are facing severe psychological distress. Some people recover over time, while others benefit from support from their family and friends. The support of loved ones goes a long way in a patient’s healing journey.