Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become well-known among the public today. However, many do not understand that anyone can form PTSD and ignore the symptoms putting themselves at risk for health and emotional problems.

June is post-traumatic stress disorder awareness month, so it seemed an excellent opportunity to write about this acquired disorder in depth. This article will cover a description of what PTSD is and its history as an accepted diagnosis.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

During a scary and/or dangerous event, it is natural to feel fear. Our fright sets off a cascade of chemical reactions in the brain that readies our bodies; this is called the fight/flee/freeze response. After the danger or scary event (trauma) has passed, most people’s bodies and brains will return to baseline, allowing them to calm down both physically and psychologically. All people who are exposed to trauma have PTSD symptoms for a short while.

However, some people exposed to trauma do not recover naturally and remain fearful and stressed even though they are no longer in danger. These people are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Scary and dangerous events aren’t the only causes of PTSD. Other experiences that can cause the disorder are traumas like the sudden loss of a loved one. Symptoms usually begin within three months of the trauma, but some develop post-traumatic stress disorder years after the event.

The symptoms of PTSD

PTSD is diagnosed by a mental health professional. The symptoms of PTSD last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with the survivor’s life at work and in their relationships. The length of the illness varies, with some recovering within six months and others develop chronic post-traumatic stress disorder.

There are four categories of symptoms for PTSD listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, edition five (DSM-5), and an adult must have all the following for at least one month.

· At least one re-experiencing symptoms

· At least one avoidance symptom