ABOUT POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD can also occur with repeated exposure to graphic details of traumatic events. It is unclear why some individuals develop PTSD while many do not have the same response to trauma. Symptoms of PTSD can develop soon after the initial event or can take years to become apparent. Symptoms can vary in intensity, sometimes becoming more severe in response to stress or situations similar to the initial traumatic event.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of PTSD can be grouped into several categories:
Intrusive Memories
- Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
- Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
Avoidance
- Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
- Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Negative changes in thinking and mood
- Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
- Hopelessness about the future
- Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Feeling emotionally numb
Changes in physical and emotional reactions
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Always being on guard for danger
- Self-destructive behaviour, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behaviour
- Overwhelming guilt or shame
Diagnosing PTSD may involve psychological and physical examinations, including the completion of psychological diagnostic assessments of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria. Treatment should be determined in accordance with a team of medical professionals familiar with PTSD, as it will vary with the experience of the individual.
If you are experiencing distress and think you may harm yourself or someone else, please call 911 immediately.
Please see the Mayo Clinic’s website for more information on PTSD.
