Understanding PTSD
An Invisible Disorder Impacting Many
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a psychological disorder that occurs when a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It is natural to feel afraid or anxious after a traumatic event as these are natural survival traits, however, PTSD occurs when fear and anxiety become extreme for an extended period. PTSD then interferes with relationships, work, relaxation and more aspects of day-to-day life, becoming all consuming. Not all traumatic experiences have to be physically dangerous to induce PTSD. It can occur when a person unexpectedly loses a loved one or experiences catastrophic events.
PTSD: Did You Know?
Here are some statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to consider regarding PTSD:
- PTSD affects 3.6% of the U.S. adult population—about 9 million individuals.
- About 37% of those diagnosed with PTSD are classified as having severe symptoms.
- Women are significantly more likely to experience PTSD than men.
Symptoms of PTSD
Here are some symptoms that a person with post-traumatic stress disorder may experience:
- Panic attacks
- Flashbacks or reliving the trauma over and over
- Racing heartbeat and sweating
- Bad dreams and difficulty speaking
- Terrifying and crippling thoughts
- Easily startled and always on edge
- Loss of interest and distorted feelings of guilt
Treatment for PTSD
Treatment for those affected by PTSD differs from person to person based on experiences from different events. A combination of the following can be used to treat PTSD:
- Psychotherapy
- Intensive outpatient program
- Group therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medication management
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Get Help for PTSD
Wondering if PTSD is what you’re experiencing or have a concern about a loved one? Find help with DiscoveryMD by contacting us immediately via the form below.