Post-traumatic stress disorder: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Examples of events that can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include wars, crimes, fires, accidents, death of a loved one, or abuse of some form. Thoughts and memories recur even though the danger has passed.

It is thought to affect between 7 and 8 percent of the population, and women are more likely to be affected than men.

Instead of feeling better as time goes on, the individual may become more anxious and fearful. PTSD can disrupt a person’s life for years, but treatment can help them recover.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Symptoms usually start within 3 months of an event, but they can begin later.

For a person to receive a diagnosis of PTSD, they must meet criteria that are set out by the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

According to these guidelines, the person must have been exposed to death or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence whether directly, through witnessing it, by it happening to a loved one, or during professional duties

Physical symptoms

There may also be physical symptoms, like sweating, shaking, headaches, dizziness, stomach problems, aches and pains, and chest pain.

There may be long-term behavioral changes that contribute to problems and work and a breakdown in relationships. The person may start to consume more alcohol than previously, or to misuse drugs or medications.

Some physical and genetic factors may play a role. These may impact the chance of having anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Many people experience symptoms after a traumatic event, such as crying, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, but this is not necessarily PTSD.

Treatment

Prompt treatment with a qualified professional can help prevent the symptoms from getting worse.

Exposure therapy

Talking repeatedly about the event or confronting the cause of the fear in a safe and controlled environment may help the person feel they have more control over their thoughts and feelings. The effectiveness of this treatment has been questioned, however, and it must be carried out with care, or there may be a risk of worsening of the symptoms.

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)

Also known as cognitive restructuring, the individual learns how to think about things in a new way. Mental imagery of the traumatic event may help them work through the trauma, to gain control of the fear and distress.

Medications

Some medications can be used to treat the symptoms of PTSD.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine, are commonly used. SSRIs also help treat depression, anxiety and sleep problems, symptoms that are often linked to PTSD. There have been some reports that antidepressant medications can cause an increased risk of suicide in individuals under the age of 24.

Sometimes, benzodiazepines may be used to treat irritability, insomnia, and anxiety. However, the National Center for PTSD do not recommend these, because they do not treat the core symptoms and they can lead to dependency.

The article has been taken from  Medical News Today.