Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment Q&A

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by a range of signs that can be grouped into four categories, with individual signs varying in intensity.

People with PTSD may experience intrusive thoughts, such as involuntary and recurring memories of the traumatic event. Distressing dreams related to the experience or intense flashbacks can also occur, where the individual feels as though they are reliving the traumatic incident or witnessing it unfold before their eyes.

Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event is a common sign of PTSD. This can manifest as steering clear of people, places, activities, objects, or situations that might trigger distressing memories associated with the trauma. Individuals may actively try to suppress thoughts or memories of the event and might be resistant to discussing what happened or expressing their feelings about it.

PTSD can lead to changes in cognition and mood. People may struggle to recall significant aspects of the traumatic event. They may develop negative thoughts and emotions, leading to distorted beliefs about themselves or others, like feeling unworthy or unable to trust anyone. They might also misinterpret the cause or consequences of the event, wrongly blaming themselves or others.

Sufferers may experience ongoing feelings of fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame. Additionally, individuals with PTSD might lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed and find it difficult to experience positive emotions, leaving them feeling emotionally detached or estranged from others.

Those with PTSD can exhibit changes in arousal and reactivity. They may become irritable and have angry outbursts. Engaging in reckless or self-destructive behaviors might also be a manifestation of this category. Individuals may become overly vigilant, constantly suspiciously monitoring their surroundings. They may be easily startled and have difficulties with concentration or sleeping.

PTSD is a mental illness that can arise following exposure to a distressing or traumatic event. Such an event may be personally experienced or witnessed, and it can trigger a range of symptoms. These symptoms can manifest immediately after the event or may emerge with a delay of several weeks or months, usually appearing within six months of the traumatic experience.

People with PTSD may exhibit various symptoms and behaviors, and the extent of these manifestations can significantly differ from one individual to another. It is crucial to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Many individuals may exhibit trauma-related symptoms for a temporary period, which is considered a normal response to such experiences. Over time, some people gradually come to terms with the trauma, and their stress symptoms may naturally begin to subside within a few weeks.

However, for some individuals, the symptoms persist for a more extended period, leading to the development of PTSD. These symptoms can vary widely and may include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of trauma reminders, heightened reactivity, sleep disturbances, and difficulty with emotional regulation.

In the process of diagnosing PTSD, your doctor will undertake several key steps. Firstly, a thorough physical examination will be performed to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. Following this, a comprehensive psychological evaluation will take place, involving a discussion of your signs and symptoms, as well as an exploration of the events that led to their onset.

During the assessment, the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) will be utilized. These criteria help to establish a standardized and reliable diagnosis of PTSD.

For a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD, exposure to an event involving the actual or potential threat of death, violence, or serious injury is a necessary prerequisite. Moreover, the symptoms you experience after this traumatic exposure should persist for more than a month and significantly impair your ability to function in social and work settings. Additionally, your relationships may also be adversely affected by these symptoms.

The diagnostic process aims to identify and understand the impact of trauma on your mental health, ensuring that appropriate interventions and support can be provided to help you manage and cope with PTSD effectively.

If you believe you have post-traumatic stress disorder or are having problems dealing with a terrible incident, visit Gold Counseling. Our team of professionals can assist you in coping with the trauma and leading a happy life. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Riverdale UT, Washington Terrace UT, Clinton UT, Kaysville UT, Clearfield UT, Farmington UT, Draper UT, Riverton UT, Sandy UT, St. George UT, Bloomington UT, Santa Clara, UT, and surrounding areas.