Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic experiences always lead to some level of
emotional difficulty and accepting and learning to live with the
memories of trauma can take some time. Although most people who experience
significant trauma will adjust over time, others may find
it difficult to cope and may develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD).
What is PTSD?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an
adverse and chronic reaction to experiencing or witnessing a
traumatic event. The traumatic event is often life threatening,
compromising personal integrity or threatening serious physical injury.
These events commonly include violent assaults, kidnapping, terrorist
attacks, natural or human-made disasters and witnessing another person's
injury or death. The reactions often involve a sense of hopelessness,
intense fear and terror.
PTSD generally develops within 3 to 6
months of the traumatic event, but it is not uncommon for people to
develop PTSD symptoms much longer after the incident.
Symptoms of PTSD
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The traumatic event is frequently re-experienced.
Re-experiencing may take the form of intrusive and distressing
recollection of the event, such as thoughts, images or
dreams.
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"Flashbacks" or feeling like the traumatic
event was recurring and a sense of "re-living" the
experience.
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Intense psychological distress when exposed to
reminders of the traumatic event.
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Intense physiological reactions when exposed to
reminders of the traumatic event.
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Avoiding thoughts, feelings, conversations,
activities and places that are associated with the traumatic
incident.
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Inability to remember important, central parts
of incident.
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Feeling detached from others, reduced interest in
socialising, reduced range of emotional experiences and a feeling
that the future is shortened and meaningless.
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Sleep and concentration difficulties, increased
tension and being edgy, irritability and anger
outbursts. |
Treatment of PTSD
PTSD is characterised by
increased and persistent physical arousal, high level of trauma related
memories and maladaptive coping strategies (e.g., avoidance). Therefore,
the treatment of PTSD must address each area separately. In most
cases of PTSD, when no additional factors complicate the
treatment (e.g., substance use), relatively few sessions can lead to
a successful outcome.
