Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a mental health disorder that some people may develop following exposure to a traumatic event. War, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, hostage situations, accidents and physical or sexual assault are some situations after which PTSD may get triggered. 

How to identify PTSD?

• Recurring memories or dreams about the event

• Often re-living the event as a flashback

• Avoiding objects, places or people that act as reminders of the event

• Experiencing difficulties focusing in the present moment

• Feeling disconnected from others

• Difficulty sleeping

• Being constantly alert for any threat

• Getting easily startled or scared

• Feelings of horror, anger or shame and an inability to feel happiness

What causes PTSD?

Anyone who is exposed to a traumatic event can go on to develop PTSD. In fact, it’s not only people who have experienced the event themselves, but even people who have witnessed the event or seen disturbing images and videos of the same. For patients with PTSD, changes have been noted in part of the brain associated with memory and emotion.  

When to seek help?

While anyone exposed to a terrifying event will experience distress, everyone may not go on to develop PTSD. Symptoms of this condition can emerge anywhere from 3 months to several years after the event. When the distressing thoughts and emotions about the event continue for more than a month, and interfere with everyday life, it is necessary to seek professional help. 

What is the treatment for PTSD?

Trauma informed cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy) are some forms of psychotherapy used in treatment. New age treatments like virtual simulation are also effective. Art therapy has been found to be effective in helping patients work through trauma. Medicines may also be required to treat the symptoms of PTSD.