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PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety condition, can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, marked by emotional reactions of horror, terror, or helplessness. The symptoms, including re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance of reminders, and hyper-arousal, are common initially but may persist for some, disrupting daily life.
FAQs about PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can arise after exposure to a dangerous event involving an actual or perceived threat to life or physical integrity. Individuals with PTSD commonly experience three primary types of symptoms:
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1. Re-experience of the trauma:
- Flashbacks involve the persistent reliving of the trauma with accompanying physical symptoms like an elevated heart rate and perspiration.
- Nightmares related to the traumatic event.
- Frightening thoughts and intense distress when triggered by cues that evoke memories of the trauma.
2. Avoidance of trauma reminders:
- Efforts to stay away from places, events, or objects reminiscent of the trauma.
- Emotional numbness.
- Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the trauma.
- Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
3. Symptoms of increased arousal:
- Easy startle response.
- Irritability or anger outbursts.
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Feeling tense or "on edge."
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How Common is PTSD?
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Traumatic events are frequent, with up to 60% of the U.S. population exposed to at least one in their lifetime. Although many experience PTSD immediately after trauma, most recover within three months. Approximately 15% develop chronic PTSD. For men, combat exposure, childhood neglect, and physical abuse are most associated, while women often experience PTSD due to rape, sexual molestation, physical attack, threats with a weapon, and childhood physical abuse.
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Why Do Some Individuals Naturally Recover after Surviving a Trauma, While Others Develop Chronic PTSD?
Natural recovery involves emotional processing occurring in daily life. This entails actively engaging with trauma-related thoughts and feelings, not suppressing memories, and sharing them with others. Adequate processing also involves confronting situations that serve as trauma reminders, disconfirming the perception that the world is persistently dangerous. Chronic PTSD is more likely when extensive avoidance of trauma reminders impedes proper traumatic memory processing.
How PTSD is treated?
Treatment for PTSD primarily centers on exposure therapy. In a supervised and secure environment, the therapist assists the individual in emotionally processing the trauma by addressing and navigating the memories of the traumatic event and the associated situations. This method serves as a potent means for the individual to understand that memories and associated situations are distinct from the trauma itself. Clients gain the ability to remember the trauma and encounter its reminders safely, empowering them to reclaim their lives from the grip of PTSD.