Understanding PTSD
A guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This is Not a Diagnostic Tool
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. It's estimated to affect about 1 in every 3 people who have a traumatic experience, but it's not clear exactly why some people develop the condition and others do not.
Any situation that a person finds traumatic can cause PTSD. PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event, or it can occur weeks, months or even years later.
Symptoms of PTSD
Symptoms can vary widely but generally fall into the categories below. In most cases, symptoms develop during the first month after a traumatic event.
Re-experiencing
This is when a person involuntarily and vividly relives the traumatic event in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or repetitive and distressing images or sensations.
Avoidance and Emotional Numbing
Trying to avoid being reminded of the event is key. This can mean avoiding people or places, or trying not to feel anything at all, which can lead to becoming isolated and withdrawn.
Hyperarousal (feeling "on edge")
You may be very anxious and find it difficult to relax. This state of hyperarousal often leads to irritability, angry outbursts, sleeping problems, and difficulty concentrating.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
People who repeatedly experience traumatic situations, such as severe neglect, abuse or violence, may be diagnosed with complex PTSD. It may not develop until years after the event.
Symptoms are similar to PTSD but may also include feelings of worthlessness, shame and guilt, problems controlling emotions, and finding it hard to feel connected with other people or maintain relationships.
Treatment for PTSD
It's normal to experience upsetting thoughts after a trauma, but you should see a GP if you or your child are still having problems about 4 weeks after the event, or if symptoms are particularly troublesome.
PTSD can be successfully treated, even when it develops many years later. Recommended treatments may include:
- Watchful waiting: Monitoring your symptoms to see if they improve without treatment.
- Talking therapies: Such as trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
- Antidepressants: Such as paroxetine or sertraline may be prescribed.