Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it's normal to have stress reactions after trauma, PTSD involves persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life and don't improve over time.

PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, including military combat, assault, accidents, natural disasters, or other life-threatening events. The good news is that PTSD is treatable, and many people recover with proper treatment and support.

PTSD symptoms are grouped into four categories:

Re-experiencing Symptoms:

• Flashbacks: Reliving the trauma
• Nightmares: Disturbing dreams about the event
• Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted memories
• Physical reactions: Sweating, rapid heartbeat when reminded
• Distressing memories: That won't go away

Avoidance Symptoms:

• Avoiding reminders: Places, people, activities related to trauma
• Avoiding thoughts: Trying not to think about it
• Avoiding feelings: Numbing emotions
• Isolation: Withdrawing from others
• Loss of interest: In activities once enjoyed

Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms:

• Hypervigilance: Always on guard
• Easily startled: Jumpy, reactive
• Irritability: Angry outbursts
• Sleep problems: Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Concentration problems: Difficulty focusing
• Self-destructive behavior: Risky behaviors

Cognition and Mood Symptoms:

• Negative thoughts: About self, others, world
• Memory problems: Especially about trauma
• Distorted beliefs: About cause or consequences
• Negative emotions: Fear, anger, guilt, shame
• Loss of interest: In activities
• Feeling detached: From others

Symptoms must last more than one month and cause significant distress or impairment.

Call Emergency Services (112 in Sweden) if:

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Severe symptoms
• Immediate danger
• Need for immediate help

Managing PTSD involves:

1. Seek Professional Help:

   • PTSD usually requires professional treatment
   • Don't try to handle alone
   • Therapy is very effective
   • Early treatment is best

2. Self-Care:

   • Regular routine: Structure and predictability
   • Adequate sleep: Important for recovery
   • Healthy eating: Supports overall health
   • Exercise: Can help with symptoms
   • Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation

3. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs:

   • Can worsen symptoms
   • May lead to substance use problems
   • Don't self-medicate
   • Seek healthy coping strategies

4. Support System:

   • Connect with supportive people
   • Join support groups
   • Don't isolate
   • Educate loved ones
   • Accept help

5. Gradual Exposure (with professional guidance):

   • Don't avoid everything
   • Gradual return to activities
   • Work with therapist
   • Don't force too quickly

6. Stress Management:

   • Identify and manage stress
   • Practice relaxation
   • Time management
   • Set boundaries
   • Self-compassion

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Severe symptoms
• Immediate danger
• Need for immediate help

• Symptoms lasting more than one month
• Symptoms interfering with daily life
• Need for treatment
• Questions about PTSD
• Concerns about symptoms

• PTSD symptoms
• Need for specialized treatment
• Trauma-focused therapy
• Medication consideration
• Complex PTSD

Diagnosing PTSD involves:

1. Clinical Assessment:

   • Detailed history
   • Symptom evaluation
   • Trauma history
   • Impact on functioning
   • Physical examination

2. Diagnostic Criteria:

   • Exposure to trauma
   • Re-experiencing symptoms
   • Avoidance symptoms
   • Arousal symptoms
   • Cognition/mood symptoms
   • Duration and impact

3. Other Assessments (if needed):

   • Psychological testing
   • Other evaluations
   • Rule out other conditions

Effective Treatments:

1. Trauma-Focused Therapy:

   • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Process trauma
   • Prolonged Exposure (PE): Face trauma memories
   • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Process trauma
   • Other trauma therapies: As appropriate

2. Other Therapies:

   • Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Change thought patterns
   • Group therapy: Connect with others
   • Family therapy: Involve family
   • Other approaches: As needed

3. Medications (if needed):

   • Antidepressants: SSRIs, SNRIs often used
   • Other medications: As appropriate
   • Usually combined with therapy
   • Work with doctor

4. Support Groups:

   • Connect with others
   • Share experiences
   • Learn coping strategies
   • Reduce isolation

After Trauma:

• Seek support early
• Don't isolate
• Talk to someone
• Professional help if needed
• Early intervention helps

Ongoing:

• Continue treatment
• Maintain support
• Practice self-care
• Recognize triggers
• Manage stress

In PTSD:

1. Trauma Exposure: Experiencing or witnessing traumatic event
2. Stress Response: Body's fight-or-flight response activated
3. Memory Processing: Trauma memories not processed normally
4. Symptoms Develop: Persistent symptoms appear
5. Impact: Affects daily functioning

Risk Factors:

• Type of trauma: Severity, duration
• Previous trauma: History of trauma
• Lack of support: After trauma
• Other mental health conditions: Increase risk
• Substance use: Can increase risk
• Genetics: May play a role

• Can develop at any age
• Common in veterans, first responders
• Also affects civilians
• Treatment is effective

• May have different symptoms
• May need specialized treatment
• Early intervention important
• Family support crucial

Some people's symptoms improve over time, but many need treatment. Without treatment, symptoms can persist for years or worsen. Professional treatment significantly improves outcomes.

It varies. Some people see improvement in weeks or months, others take longer. Consistency with treatment is important. Don't give up—recovery is possible.

Many people with PTSD continue to work, especially with treatment. Some may need accommodations. Work with your healthcare provider and employer to find what works for you.

Many people recover from PTSD with treatment. Some may have symptoms that come and go, but treatment can help manage them. Recovery is possible, though it may take time.

Early support and intervention after trauma can help prevent PTSD from developing. If you've experienced trauma, seek support as soon as possible. Don't wait for symptoms to develop.