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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Writer's picture: Debbie SinghDebbie Singh

Updated: Jan 22


Some sitting alone and feeling sad

Individuals who experience or have been exposed to traumatic or stressful events may be diagnosed with PTSD. Most likely these individuals have witnessed or have experienced a stressful event such as violence, physical or sexual abuse, violent accidents, kidnapped, life-threatening illness, or natural disaster.


These individuals experience symptoms of fear, helplessness, nightmares, and difficulty functioning socially or professionally. These individuals may also experience other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, difficulty recalling information or poor concentration. Treatment for PTSD may include pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.



Everything you need to know about PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is very common among individuals who suffer from trauma. You can call it an after-effect of a trauma or stressful condition. It also depends widely on the type of trauma or stress that you have experienced.

One research shows that every person goes through a different post-traumatic stress disorder because everyone has a different trauma. We will study all the effects of PTSD and how it can affect the quality of life.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious condition in which the person keeps suffering from an experience. It is a psychological condition that can affect the overall functioning of a person. For example, an individual who has gone through a lot as a child or teenager will likely have some psychological issues afterward. It can also happen after a sudden trauma to a person at any age. Most people have post-traumatic stress disorder even without realizing it. It is dangerous and can cause harmful effects on the overall health.

Symptoms of PTSD you should know about:

There are various symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. The most common symptoms are given below.

  • Getting flashbacks- If a person keeps on getting flashbacks and memories from past events, which can make them upset or impair their proper functioning, it is PTSD. Some people also have panic attacks after reliving those memories. In PTSD, the human brain is trapped in the same incident. It feels like it is still in the same situation and circumstances.

  • Avoiding people and places- One of the symptoms is that an individual suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder cannot face people. He starts to avoid gatherings and crowded places. In some of the cases, the interaction with family members also diminishes.

  • Thinking negative- It is likely to always think negatively about people and situations. People who are suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder find it difficult to trust people. They always remain doubtful and even try self-harm sometimes.

  • Various disorders- Post-traumatic stress disorder gives rise to many other disorders, such as messing with sleeping habits. People can also go through eating disorders, experience nightmares, panic attacks, etc.

How does the PTSD attack feel like?

If a person has a sudden attack of posttraumatic stress disorder, they will undergo many conditions. The pulse and heart rate become faster, breathing gets more rapid, and body temperature can rise or drop to dangerous levels. Some people even lose control of themselves when they have a post-traumatic stress disorder attack.

Those in severe stages of PTSD undergo a panic attack in which they are unaware of their surroundings and people. It is dangerous because they can have themselves and the people who try to control them. PTSD attack varies from person to person depending upon the stage of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder:

Various psychological and medical therapies can be used to treat PTSD.

  • Cognitive behavior therapy

    • Cognitive behavior therapy is a psychosocial therapy that can help in various mental conditions. It helps in improving cognitive behavior by keeping emotions stable. It also gives the person a grip over his mood and mind. For most people, cognitive behavior therapy works when it comes to post-traumatic stress disorder.

  • Anti-anxiety medication

    • Anti-anxiety medications are also very beneficial for treating post-traumatic stress disorders. They can stop the release of hormones, which can cause sadness and gloominess in the individual.

    • It gives rise to the release of hormones that can keep the mood uplifted and motivated. People who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder have often been prescribed these medications.

  • Serotonin releasing drugs

    • Serotonin is a hormone in the body that causes mood changes. It can help to keep an individual happy. When a person remains sad and relives the traumatic phase of life, he stops the secretion of serotonin in his body.

    • The already present serotonin is also not acknowledged by the receptors because of the person's mental condition. However, serotonin-releasing drugs induce happiness in the person. These drugs are also used to treat depression and anxiety among individuals.

  • Counseling

    • Counseling is also very beneficial in treating posttraumatic stress disorder. You can take the person who is suffering from PTSD to a psychologist or psychotherapist. It can affect the condition of the person. Counseling can help the person feel better because talking about the previous trauma can elevate the effects.


Final Thoughts:

Post-traumatic stress disorder is very dangerous for human mental health. It develops after experiencing something bad in the past, especially trauma. Various treatments are available for post-traumatic stress disorders, which should be availed initially after experiencing any symptoms related





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