 -Kirk Tjalas, F.N.P.
Kirk Tjalas, F.N.P., provides exceptional care and meticulous attention to detail for every patient concern, ensuring comprehensive and personalized treatment for optimal health outcomes. |
It’s normal to feel scared following a traumatic event. Trauma triggers our fight-or-flight response, leading to a range of emotions that can affect us both in the short and long term. Around 7 in 10 people experience at least one trauma in their lives (Knipscheer et al., 2020). While the stress associated with trauma fades significantly over time for many, others are affected long after it happens, making it difficult to function on a daily basis.
If you continue feeling scared or stressed for weeks or even months after an event, you might wonder if you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Around 7% of people experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with women being more likely to have it (Knipscheer et al., 2020; Institute of Medicine, 2014). There are online PTSD assessments you can take, but only a mental health professional can make an official diagnosis.
What is PTSD?
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event. Traumas can include a wide range of experiences, such as the death of a loved one, war, physical or sexual assault, abuse, a car accident, or surviving a natural disaster. Even witnessing a traumatic event happen to a loved one can lead to PTSD.
Someone with PTSD grapples with feelings of fear or stress for months following the event—even when they’re no longer in danger.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
The symptoms of PTSD are often so severe that they interfere with a person’s daily life and overall well-being. PTSD is typically diagnosed when a person has experienced the following symptoms for at least one month after a traumatic incident:
- Re-experiencing Symptoms: This includes flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. These symptoms can make the person feel like they are reliving the trauma over and over.
- Avoidance Symptoms: Avoiding places, events, or objects that remind them of the traumatic experience. For instance, someone might avoid driving after being involved in a car accident.
- Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms: These include difficulty sleeping, angry outbursts, being easily startled, or feeling tense. These symptoms are often constant and can make the individual feel stressed and angry.
- Cognition and Mood Symptoms: These involve negative thoughts about oneself or the world, feelings of blame or guilt, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, or problems with memory related to the trauma.
Is There a Test for PTSD?
While there are PTSD self-assessments available online, such as those provided by the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, it’s important to remember that an official diagnosis requires a full assessment by a mental health professional.
Healthcare providers use one of three diagnostic tests for PTSD:
- Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS): This 17-item self-reported questionnaire asks patients to rate the frequency and severity of their PTSD symptoms. Scores range from 0 (not at all) to 4 (every day) for frequency and from 0 (not at all distressing) to 4 (extremely distressing) for severity.
- Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS): A 24-item questionnaire assessing the severity of symptoms over the past month. It focuses on PTSD symptoms and the trauma’s impact, using a scale from 0 (not at all) to 4 (severe, six or more times a week).
- PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): A 20-item questionnaire used to diagnose PTSD and monitor the effects of treatment. There are versions for civilians, military personnel, and specific types of trauma. Patients rate the severity of symptoms on a five-point scale.
PTSD Self-Test
A PTSD self-test can help you assess whether it’s worth seeking professional help. For each question, rate how often you experienced the symptom in the past month on a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 meaning “Not at all” and 5 meaning “Extremely often.” While self-tests can provide insight, they are not substitutes for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment Options for PTSD
Not everyone develops PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event, but if you do, getting help and support from loved ones and a healthcare professional is key to recovery.
A combination of medication and psychotherapy is often recommended for treating PTSD (Institute of Medicine, 2014). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for PTSD, helping individuals reframe negative thoughts and behaviors associated with their trauma. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another therapy that has shown effectiveness in treating PTSD by helping individuals process and integrate traumatic memories.
Medications such as antidepressants can also be used to help control symptoms of depression and anxiety that often accompany PTSD.
If you feel that your symptoms are interfering with your ability to function, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers 24/7 confidential support and referrals for PTSD treatment. You can contact them at 1-800-662-HELP.
Conclusion
PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can profoundly impact an individual’s life. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking help early can make a significant difference in managing the condition and improving quality of life. At Priority Medical Group, we are committed to providing support and resources for individuals dealing with PTSD. If you or a loved one needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Disclaimer
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The information provided here is based on peer-reviewed research and medical guidelines but should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. (2014). Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations: Final Assessment. National Academies Press.
- Knipscheer, J. W., Sleijpen, M., Mooren, T., ter Heide, F. J., & van der Aa, N. (2020). Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder in asylum seekers from different countries of origin. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10, 1025.
- Wirtz, P. H., & von Känel, R. (2020). Psychological factors in coronary heart disease prevention: A review of recent findings. Current Cardiology Reports, 22(11), 131.
- Engemann, K., Pedersen, C. B., Arge, L., Tsirogiannis, C., Mortensen, P. B., & Svenning, J. C. (2019). Residential green space in childhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders from adolescence into adulthood. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(11), 5188-5193.
- Stieger, S., Lewetz, D., & Swami, V. (2020). Emotional well-being under conditions of limited social interaction: The role of nature exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 589595.
FAQ:
| 1. What is PTSD? | PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance behaviors, heightened arousal, and negative changes in mood and cognition. |
| 2. How is PTSD diagnosed? | PTSD is diagnosed using clinical assessments conducted by mental health professionals. Common diagnostic tools include the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS), and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). |
| 3. What are the treatment options for PTSD? | Treatment options for PTSD typically include psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and medications like antidepressants to help manage symptoms. |
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