Recent statistics show post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects around 3.5% of U.S. adults annually. This stress and trauma-related disorder happens after exposure to severe trauma. A range of different traumatic events can cause the condition. You can experience this as physically or emotionally harmful or even life-threatening and might affect physical, mental, or social well-being. But the good news is that post traumatic stress disorder Flowood is treatable, and lots of people have successfully overcome the symptoms through effective treatments. Here is a review of everything you should know about PTSD.
What Causes PTSD?
To start with, you probably wonder what causes this disorder. PTSD normally results from exposure to trauma, including witnessing, experiencing, or learning about a traumatic experience. Some of the common events that cause PTSD include; physical or sexual assault, military combat, terrorism, severe injury, neglect or abuse, road accidents, witnessing death or violence, diagnosis with chronic illness, traumatic birth, etc. members of the army who engage in combat are highly likely to develop this disorder. NHS statistics show that one in three people who experience a traumatic event develops PTSD.
Also, several risk factors increase the probability of developing PTSD. This includes insufficient support from close members after the event, a previous history of depression and other mental disorders, and experiencing further stress or trauma around the traumatic event. Scientific research also claims that stress hormones and brain structure might also influence the development of PTSD.
What Are the Symptoms Of PTSD?
The symptoms of PTSD can be categorized as negative changes in mood and thinking, intrusive memories, avoidance, and changes in emotional and physical reactions. However, these symptoms vary from one person to another and can change over time. Normally, PTSD symptoms include; memory problems, traumatic flashbacks, depression and hopelessness, nightmares, emotional numbness, aggressive behavior, relationship challenges, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can affect your normal life, finding it hard to maintain jobs and relationships.
What Are the Available PTSD Treatments?
If left untreated, PTSD can adversely impact your daily life and relationships. Fortunately, there are various effective treatments for it. These include medication, talk therapy, and individualized lifestyle changes. Consulting with a trained therapist is generally the first step in treating PTSD. Talk therapy normally involves discussing your symptoms and experiences with a medical professional.
Depending on your health needs and the experience of your health provider, you might receive exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). Some of the medications for PTSD include Paroxetine and sertraline. Lifestyle changes to help manage PTSD include meditation, support groups, exercising, and avoiding negative mechanisms such as alcohol use.
Ultimately, PTSD results from experiencing, seeing, or learning about a severely traumatic event. While the symptoms can be hard to cope with, there are various effective treatments for PTSD, including medication, talk therapy, and positive lifestyle changes. If you or a close person has PTSD, seeking professional help can help. Each person has different medical needs and requires a unique treatment plan. Your doctor will help you establish effective therapies and coping tools to manage your PTSD symptoms.
