Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) first entered the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1980. Psychiatrists and psychologists initially believed the disorder was rare and closely linked with highly distressing experiences, such as warfare or a natural disaster.
However, later research found that PTSD can develop due to more common types of traumatic events, such as car accidents, or after prolonged exposure to trauma, like childhood or domestic abuse. Nearly 8 million Americans have some form of PTSD.
Traumatic events alter areas of the brain. For example, many people with PTSD have an overactive limbic system, which regulates the fight or flight response. On the other hand, brain regions associated with processing memories and calculating risks become underactive.
PTSD causes several debilitating effects. People with PTSD may experience vivid memories of a traumatic incident, known as a flashback. Attempting to avoid flashback triggers can cause individuals to withdraw. People with PTSD may also develop extreme vigilance, irritability, depression, and anxiety.
Only a mental health professional can diagnose PTSD. The psychiatrist or psychotherapist will review the client’s history, behaviors, and other factors to make a determination. Often, a PTSD diagnosis is further broken down into five categories. This ensures that clients receive the right type of treatment for their situation.
PTSD often begins as a normal stress response. After undergoing a traumatic experience, even those that are necessary, such as surgery or childbirth, many people will experience somatic and psychological symptoms. While the normal stress response subsides after a period, people experiencing this level of stress can benefit from therapy and social support.
Adjustment disorder is a type of stress response that is more intense and long-lasting than would be expected. For example, the end of a short-term relationship may lead to months of intense sadness. Common treatments for this disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a short-term form of PTSD. This disorder usually develops shortly after a life-threatening or highly traumatic situation. Some common effects include depersonalization, intrusive recollections of the event, and unstable mood.
People with ASD benefit from therapy and healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise and a structured schedule. If these ASD symptoms last more than a month, the individual is re-diagnosed with PTSD.
PTSD itself has two different forms. Uncomplicated PTSD is caused by a single traumatic event. In some cases, uncomplicated PTSD is responsive to exposure therapy, a method that builds an individual’s tolerance for triggers by confronting them, either directly or mentally. Talking about the traumatic experience in a safe environment can also mitigate the symptoms.
Complex PTSD is caused by repeated exposure to trauma. Both types of PTSD require therapeutic support, but CPTSD treatment is more likely to last longer than six months. Some people with CPTSD need mental health support for several years to recover.
PTSD often develops as a symptom of other disorders and illnesses. Comorbid PTSD typically occurs when people have serious chronic conditions such as cancer or advanced heart disease. People with severe substance use disorder or anxiety also have a higher risk of developing PTSD.
