Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What does PTSD mean? Information about the causes, symptoms, and main treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Symptoms and Causes
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is triggered after experiencing a shocking and terrifying situation, either firsthand or secondhand. When natural fear lasts for an excessive amount of time and its consequences prevent an individual from leading a normal life, it is referred to as PTSD.
The effects of post-traumatic stress can appear within a few days, although at times they emerge much later, long after the traumatic event has occurred. It is most common for it to prevent those affected from carrying out their daily tasks, as it causes significant emotional distress.
Symptoms
PTSD symptoms may appear continuously or intermittently and can be grouped into four main categories:
- Intrusive memories: The traumatic event is involuntarily relived, even in dreams.
- Avoidance: There is a tendency to avoid places, situations, or people that bring the incident to mind.
- Mood changes: Negative thoughts, hopelessness, lack of interest, memory issues.
- Changes in emotional reactions: Insomnia, poor concentration, self-destructive behaviors, constant alertness, feelings of guilt.
Causes
Post-traumatic stress can be triggered by various events, including:
- Severe violence.
- Abuse.
- Life-threatening injuries or those that deeply affect health.
- Sexual assault or abuse.
- Traffic accidents.
- Natural disasters.
- Wars.
- Sudden death of a loved one.
Risk Factors
Not everyone who experiences a trauma develops post-traumatic stress disorder. Specialists believe that genetic predisposition to mental health problems, stress tendencies, and lack of a support network increase the likelihood of developing it.
Complications
When post-traumatic stress disorder is not properly treated, it negatively impacts both social relationships and the performance of daily tasks. Additionally, it increases the risk of depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.
Prevention
Family support and mental health professionals' assistance help channel the emotions of those who have experienced a life-threatening situation and reduce the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder.
What doctor treats post-traumatic stress disorder?
Clinical psychologists. Sometimes, medication from a psychiatrist is required, generally antidepressants.
Diagnosis
In addition to listening to the patient and their family members and studying the medical history of the affected individual, specialists conduct a diagnostic interview to confirm which criteria apply, the type, and the level of severity.
Treatment
A personalized approach is essential in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder. Depending on the individual and the symptoms they present, the following options may be considered:
- Cognitive psychotherapy, exposure therapy, or desensitization therapy to help identify thoughts that prevent forgetting what happened, to deal with feelings in a healthy way, or to process traumatic memories.
- Pharmacological treatment, which usually includes antidepressants and anxiolytics.
- Combined therapy.
