Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) refers to the manifestation of specific physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions following the experience of one or more events that are perceived as traumatic.

Not everyone develops PTSD symptoms after being exposed to distressing events. For a diagnosis of PTSD, the symptoms must persist for more than one month and significantly impact the individual’s ability to function.

A person with PTSD may be plagued by frequent, involuntary re-experiencing (flashbacks) of the traumatic event, leading to intense fear, avoidance of situations that remind them of the trauma, or a constant state of heightened alertness. Additionally, individuals experiencing PTSD may struggle with sleep disturbances and feelings of isolation.

Examples of Traumatic Events

Any event the individual perceives as traumatic can trigger PTSD. Some examples of traumatic events may include:

• Car accidents
• Terrorist attacks
• Robberies
• Abuse (e.g., sexual or physical abuse)
• Health-related incidents
• Birth trauma
• Natural disasters

A traumatic experience can persist for a long time (e.g., a child or adult exposed to prolonged and distressing events such as abuse). Such extended exposure to traumatic events can significantly affect the person’s emotions and interpersonal relationships.

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Below are some of the common symptoms of PTSD. These symptoms can vary in type, intensity, frequency, and duration:

• Intrusive thoughts/images of the traumatic event.
• Nightmares related to the traumatic experience.
• Flashbacks, where the individual may react like they are reliving the traumatic event.
• Avoidance of any stimuli that remind the person of the traumatic event (e.g., avoiding people, situations, or objects).
• Difficulty recalling specific details of the traumatic experience.
• Dysfunctional beliefs (e.g., “danger is everywhere”).
• Withdrawal from activities and social interactions.
• Emotional numbing (a sense of feeling detached or empty).
• Self-blame (e.g., “I am responsible for what happened”).
• Feelings of guilt and shame.
• Constant anxiety, remaining in a state of “hypervigilance” for potential threats.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Sudden outbursts of anger.
• Startle responses.
• Depersonalization (feeling detached from one’s body) or derealization (feeling that one’s experiences are not real).

PTSD may manifest either immediately after the traumatic event or may take time, even years, to develop.

There may be periods when the symptoms are less intense or more intense; in some cases, they remain consistently severe over time.

Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy have been scientifically validated and shown to be effective treatment methods for PTSD.

In some cases, treatment for PTSD may include psychotherapy combined with medication-psychiatric monitoring.

In our therapy sessions, we will explore the symptoms you are experiencing from your traumatic experience and your overall needs to gain a comprehensive understanding of your concerns. Then, we will develop a tailored treatment plan to address your difficulties. More information about my therapeutic approach can be found in the relevant section.

Bibliography on Psychological Trauma

• van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Maté, G. (2017). When the body says no: The cost of hidden stress. Vermilion.