Posted: April 29th, 2018

Effects of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Effects of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as war, violence, abuse, accident, or disaster. PTSD can cause a range of symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. These symptoms include:

– **Intrusive memories**: People with PTSD may have recurrent and unwanted memories of the trauma, flashbacks, nightmares, or hallucinations.
– **Avoidance**: People with PTSD may avoid people, places, activities, or situations that remind them of the trauma. They may also try to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma.
– **Negative changes in thinking and mood**: People with PTSD may have negative thoughts about themselves, others, or the world. They may feel hopeless, guilty, ashamed, or detached. They may also lose interest in things they used to enjoy or have difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
– **Changes in physical and emotional reactions**: People with PTSD may experience increased arousal and reactivity, such as being easily startled, angry, irritable, or on edge. They may also have trouble sleeping, concentrating, or relaxing. They may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or suicidal ideation.

PTSD can develop in anyone who has been exposed to a traumatic event, but some factors may increase the risk or severity of the disorder. These factors include:

– **The nature and intensity of the trauma**: Traumas that involve intentional harm, such as assault or torture, are more likely to cause PTSD than natural disasters or accidents. Traumas that are prolonged, repeated, or unpredictable are also more traumatic than those that are brief, isolated, or expected.
– **The individual’s response to the trauma**: People who experience intense fear, helplessness, horror, or dissociation during the trauma are more likely to develop PTSD. People who blame themselves or others for the trauma or have negative beliefs about the trauma are also more vulnerable to PTSD.
– **The individual’s personal characteristics**: People who have a history of mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, are more prone to developing PTSD. People who have a family history of PTSD or other mental disorders are also at higher risk. People who lack social support, coping skills, or resilience are less able to cope with the trauma and its aftermath.
– **The individual’s post-trauma environment**: People who face ongoing stressors after the trauma, such as financial difficulties, legal problems, health issues, or interpersonal conflicts, are more likely to develop PTSD. People who receive inadequate or inappropriate treatment for their trauma symptoms are also less likely to recover from PTSD.

PTSD can be treated with various methods that aim to reduce the distress and impairment caused by the disorder. These methods include:

– **Medication**: Some medications can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD by affecting the brain chemicals involved in fear and stress responses. These medications include antidepressants (such as sertraline, paroxetine, or fluoxetine), anti-anxiety drugs (such as clonazepam, lorazepam, or etizolam), and mood stabilizers (such as lithium or valproate).
– **Psychotherapy**: Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that helps people with PTSD understand and cope with their trauma and its effects. There are different types of psychotherapy for PTSD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies help people with PTSD change their negative thoughts and feelings about the trauma, confront and process their traumatic memories, resolve their emotional conflicts and personal issues related to the trauma,
and enhance their coping skills and resilience.
– **Self-care**: Self-care is an important part of recovery from PTSD. It involves taking care of one’s physical and mental health by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and rest,
exercising regularly,
learning and practicing stress management techniques,
avoiding caffeine,
tobacco,
alcohol,
and drugs,
and engaging in enjoyable hobbies and activities.
Self-care also involves seeking social support from family,
friends,
or other people who have experienced similar traumas.

PTSD is a serious and common disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It can have devastating effects on one’s well-being and functioning. However,
with proper treatment and self-care,
people with PTSD can overcome their trauma and lead fulfilling lives.

References:

– Mayo Clinic. (2021). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967
– National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
– WebMD. (2021). What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
– American Psychological Association. (2021). help writing my essay on Posttraumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/ptsd/
– MSN. (2021). What is post traumatic stress disorder and its possible symptoms, causes, risk and prevention methods? Retrieved from https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/condition/Post-traumatic-stress-disorder/hp-Post-traumatic-stress-disorder?source=conditioncdx

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