Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Symptoms are categorized into intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and arousal symptoms. Risk factors include the intensity of trauma, previous traumatic experiences, and lack of support. Diagnosis follows DSM-5 criteria, with treatments involving psychotherapy, medication, and support systems.
Show More
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event
Intrusive Memories
PTSD is characterized by recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, reliving the event, and severe emotional distress or physical reactions to reminders of the trauma
Avoidance
People with PTSD may try to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the traumatic event, as well as places, activities, or people that trigger memories of the trauma
Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood
Individuals with PTSD may experience negative feelings about themselves or others, an inability to experience positive emotions, feeling emotionally numb, or a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions
People with PTSD may experience being easily startled or frightened, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behavior, trouble sleeping, and concentration problems
PTSD symptoms must be present for more than one month and cause significant distress or problems in functioning to be considered PTSD
The risk of developing PTSD is influenced by experiencing intense or long-lasting trauma, having other mental health problems, lacking a good support system, and experiencing painful injury or trauma
Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and genes may make some people more likely to develop PTSD than others
To be diagnosed with PTSD, an individual must have been exposed to a traumatic event and exhibit symptoms from each of the four symptom clusters
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)
The CAPS-5 is a structured interview that measures the frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
The PCL-5 is a self-report questionnaire that allows individuals to self-assess the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms
Treatment for PTSD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT, including specific types such as Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic memories
Medications, particularly SSRIs and SNRIs, are often used to manage symptoms of PTSD
Support from family and friends, as well as peer support groups, can also be an important part of the recovery process
00
PTSD Precipitating Events
Traumatic experiences triggering PTSD: natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, war/combat, rape, violent assaults.
01
PTSD Symptom Categories
Four symptom groups: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood/thinking changes, altered physical/emotional reactions.
02
PTSD Recovery Variability
Not all exposed to trauma develop PTSD; some recover with time/self-care, others require professional treatment.
