What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
If you're asking yourself, "Do I have PTSD?" (which Stella refers to as PSTI) and think that you may be experiencing symptoms, take this PTSD test online. Or, contact our Patient Care Team directly by calling 1-(773) 207-4145 or emailing [email protected].

 
Everything You Need To Know About PTSD

What does PTSD stand for? PTSD is an abbreviation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

And what is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? In the field of psychology, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is defined as a mental health condition that may occur in response to experiencing a traumatic or stressful event that creates feelings of horror or helplessness. What most don't know is that PTSD isn't always caused by one big traumatic event. Years of cumulative trauma can cause PTSD as well. PTSD can last for months or years, and we can experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms – we'll explore this a little later.

When we experience trauma, our body's fight-or-flight response turns on, and sometimes it stays on long after the traumatic event. Many researchers agree that the amygdala (also known as the brain's "fear center") becomes overactivated after trauma, causing nerve growth.1 This nerve growth may prevent the fight-or-flight response from returning to a normal level. Brain imagery data suggests that trauma symptoms cause changes that are visible in the brain.2

 


 

How Common Is PTSD?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that 6% of the U.S. adult population would struggle with trauma symptoms at some point in their lives.3 The additional burden of psychological trauma beginning in 2020 is hard to calculate. Not only has COVID-19 impacted physical and mental health, but it's also had serious repercussions on jobs, access to basic resources, relationships, and more.

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder vs. Post-Traumatic Stress Injury

A growing number of trauma experts have advocated to "drop the D" in PTSD. And as of 2015, the Pentagon, government officials, organizations, and advocates have stopped using "disorder" to describe Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS).4

Dropping the D in PTSD highlights the fact that PTS may be an injury rather than a disorder.5

There are two key reasons why dropping "disorder" is essential:

  1. "Disorder" connotes a sense of permanence which is misleading because PTS is treatable.
  2. "Disorder" has a stigma that can prevent those who need help from asking for it.
     

The language we use to describe human experiences matters. Words have the power to make us feel isolated and stuck or understood and empowered. That's why, at Stella, we replaced "Disorder" with "Injury." We encourage you to adopt the term Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI), too.

 

 

What is PTSD Caused By?

Traditionally, PTSD/PTSI has been linked to events such as war, sexual assault, or natural disasters. But when we consider the definition of trauma – a deeply distressing or disturbing experience – it becomes clear that many events can be categorized as trauma. Think workplace abuse, reproductive challenges, divorce, loss of a loved one, or a sports injury.

We also know that LGBTQ+ community members and/or ethnic minorities are often mistreated and/or oppressed. As a result, may experience traumas like bullying, physical violence or threat, and homelessness. These are the most common – but certainly not all – causes of PTSD/PTSI today:

  • Adoption
  • Bullying or hazing
  • Childhood trauma or abuse
  • Childhood neglect
  • COVID-related trauma (e.g., hospitalization for COVID, post-COVID health challenges)
  • Combat and/or warfare
  • Death or injury of a loved one
  • Divorce
  • Domestic abuse
  • First responder trauma (for healthcare workers, EMTs, and LEOs)
  • Homelessness
  • LGBTQ+ trauma (e.g., harassment, rejection, identity crisis)
  • Loss of pregnancy
  • Natural disaster
  • Non-physical interpersonal abuse (e.g., emotional abuse by a narcissistic individual)
  • Personal health issues
  • Physical violence or threat
  • Political/ national refugee-related trauma
  • Racial trauma
  • Reproductive challenges/ infertility
  • Secondary PTSD
  • Sexual assault
  • Sports injury
  • Victim of crime by a stranger (e.g., mugging, break-in, robbery)
  • Witnessing a traumatic event
  • Workplace injury or job-related accident
  • Workplace abuse, loss, harassment, or other related workplace trauma

 
What Does PTSD/PTSI Feel Like?

Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms following trauma exposures. While it's normal to feel anxious from time to time, when we experience PTSD/PTSI, anxiety often persists. We feel our worries and fears intensely. In addition to thinking about what could go wrong, we also experience a faster heart rate, heavy breathing, sweating, and feeling tired.

Intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance (or feeling constantly unsafe and on-edge), nightmares, flashbacks, and guilt can add to the sense of uneasiness we feel when experiencing trauma symptoms.

Depression is also common and is frequently identified through changes in mood. When we have PTSD/PTSI and are depressed, we may withdraw from the activities we used to take pleasure in. Sometimes this is because we struggle to enjoy ourselves and other times it may be to avoid a trigger.

While the symptoms often develop immediately after the trauma or stressful event, they must persist for more than 30 days to receive a diagnosis of PTSI. Before 30 days, the symptoms are classified as "Acute Stress Disorder." While many mental healthcare resources highlight the 17 most common symptoms of trauma, there are actually more:

  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Crying spells
  • Depression
  • Dizzy spells
  • Flashbacks
  • Headaches
  • Hypervigilance
  • Nervousness
  • Nightmares
  • Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
  • Panic episodes
  • Paranoia
  • Problems with concentration or thinking
  • Problems with memory
  • Shakiness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Substance abuse
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts
     

At Stella, we work with those who have experienced a wide range of traumas. With the right insights and the right support, healing is possible.

 

The Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can vary widely, but they are generally grouped into four main categories:

Intrusion
Intrusion symptoms involve involuntary, distressing memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may experience vivid, intense recollections that can feel like they are reliving the trauma. Nightmares and unwanted distressing memories that pop up unexpectedly are also common. These symptoms can be triggered by reminders of the trauma, such as sounds, sights, or even smells.

Avoidance
Avoidance symptoms involve efforts to steer clear of reminders associated with the trauma. This might include avoiding certain places, people, or activities that trigger memories of the traumatic event. Individuals may also avoid talking about their experiences, pushing away thoughts and feelings related to the trauma to prevent distress.

Changes in Thinking and Mood
People with PTSD often experience negative changes in their thoughts and mood. They may have persistent negative beliefs about themselves or the world, feeling hopeless or detached from others. Common signs include memory problems related to the trauma, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, and feelings of guilt or blame.

Changes in Reactions
Changes in reactions, also known as arousal and reactivity symptoms, include being easily startled, feeling tense or "on edge," and having difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Irritability, angry outbursts, and self-destructive behavior, like reckless driving or substance abuse, are also common in this symptom cluster.


The Different Types of PTSD

PTSD can manifest in different forms, depending on the nature of the trauma and individual factors. The main types of PTSD include:

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): Symptoms appear within a month of the traumatic event and last less than a month. If symptoms persist beyond a month, it may be diagnosed as PTSD.

Delayed-Onset PTSD: Symptoms do not appear until six months or more after the traumatic event. This can make it more challenging to diagnose, as the connection between the trauma and the symptoms may not be immediately obvious.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Typically occurs after prolonged or repeated trauma, such as abuse or domestic violence. This type includes symptoms similar to PTSD but also involves challenges in emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships with others.

Comorbid PTSD: Occurs when PTSD is present alongside other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. The presence of multiple conditions can complicate treatment and recovery.


Can PTSD be prevented?

While it may not be entirely possible to prevent PTSD, there are strategies that can help reduce the risk or severity of symptoms following a traumatic event. Early intervention, including professional counseling and support, can play a critical role. Learning healthy coping mechanisms, fostering a strong social support network, and engaging in stress management practices such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques can also mitigate the impact of trauma. Building resilience and understanding one's personal vulnerabilities may help in lessening the chances of developing PTSD.


How is PTSD diagnosed?

PTSD is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, through a comprehensive assessment. The diagnostic process involves a detailed discussion of the symptoms, medical history, and the nature of the traumatic event. The healthcare provider may use specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), including the presence of symptoms for at least one month, significant distress or impairment, and a direct link to a traumatic experience.
H3: When to see a doctor & get help
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of PTSD that persist for more than a month, cause significant distress, or interfere with daily life, it is crucial to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen—reach out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, or consult your primary care doctor for guidance.


How can I help a friend or relative who has PTSD?

Supporting a loved one with PTSD can be challenging, but your help can make a significant difference in their recovery. Here are a few ways to offer support:

Educate Yourself: Learn about PTSD, its symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding what your loved one is going through can help you provide better support.

Listen Without Judgment: Encourage open communication and listen actively. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or minimizing their experiences.

Be Patient and Understanding: Recovery from PTSD takes time, and there may be setbacks. Show empathy, respect their boundaries, and don't push them to talk about the trauma if they're not ready.

Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest seeking professional treatment if they haven't already. Offer to help them find a therapist or accompany them to their first appointment.

Provide Practical Support: Offer help with everyday tasks that may feel overwhelming, such as running errands or attending appointments.

Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone with PTSD can be emotionally draining. Make sure to take care of your own mental health and seek support if needed.

 

PTSD/PTSI Treatment Options

Contrary to popular belief, symptoms of trauma are treatable. Pharmaceutical drugs and talk therapy are two of the most popular treatment options. Stella is ushering in breakthrough biological treatments for PTSI like DSR SGB and ketamine therapy that can rapidly relieve the worst PTSI symptoms and lay the foundation for game-changing outcomes and long-lasting healing from trauma.

You can learn more about Treatment by Stella by calling our Care Team at 908-293-7559.
 

1. Eugene G.LipovaJaydeep R.JoshiaSarahSandersaKonstantin V.Slavinb A unifying theory linking the prolonged efficacy of the stellate ganglion block for the treatment of chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), hot flashes, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987709000413
2. Alkire, M.T., Hollifield, M., Khoshsar, R., Nguyen, L., Alley, S. R., and Reist, C. (2015). Neuroimaging suggests that stellate ganglion block improves post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through an amygdala mediated mechanism. Presented at the Anesthesiology Annual Meeting, October 24, 2015.
3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2018, September 13). How Common is PTSD in Adults? U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved February 2, 2022, from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp
4. Itkowitz, C. (2021, October 28). Dropping the 'D' in PTSD is becoming the norm in Washington. The Washington Post. Retrieved February 2, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/06/30/dropping-the-d-in-ptsd-is-becoming-the-norm/
5. Ochberg, F. (2012). An injury, not a disorder. Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. Retrieved 8/25/21 from: https://dartcenter.org/content/injury-not-disorder-0

 

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