What do we know about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? What psychological symptoms are associated with it, and what effective treatments exist today to manage those symptoms?
Introduction
PTSD has a long standing history in various human cultures across the world; a fact that is evidenced by the numerous it has acquired from different communities.
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The fact that horrific and traumatizing effect have been part and parcel of human history is proof of its existence throughout human histories.
Thesis statement: Effective management of PTSD requires an elaborate understanding of its symptoms as well as the treatment approaches that are available for use.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychological condition that comes about as a result of an individual’s inability to recover from the memories of tragic event.
An individual suffering from this condition may experience it for several months or years, with triggers as a key determinant of prevalence of occurrence.
Triggers are basically physical, social or psychological events and experiences that evoke deep physical and emotional reactions from specific memories.
According to National Center for PTSD, PTSDis a psychiatric sequel to a stressful even or situation of an exceptionally threating or catastrophic nature (2007).
It is a medical condition, which means it can be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. However, imaging and lab tests are not necessary for this procedure.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD is characterized by several symptoms which allow for easy identification and diagnosis by medical practitioners.
PTSD symptoms can be divided into three distinct categories, namely: psychological, behavioral and emotional (PTSD: National Center for PTSD, 2007).
From a behavioral perspective, an individual may exhibit characteristic and symptoms such as hostility towards people; social isolation from groups and social circles; a sense of constant agitation; as well as exhibiting self-destructive behavior.
Psychological conditions entail experiences that are limited to the individual with PTSD, in other words they cannot be observed from outside. This include: flashback of the event; constant fear and a sense of mistrust. PTSD patients have also exhibited bouts of severe anxiety emanating from the deep rooted fear of traumatic experiences in the past.
Emotional symptoms of PTSD come in different forms. This particular category is comprised of experiences in which are lilted to a person’s feelings. Emotional symptoms associated with this particular condition include: a sense of guilt by the patient or feelings of detachment within the self. PTSD patients also tend to exhibit a sense of displeasure from activities they may have previously considered to be interesting or engaging.
Insomnia and negative thoughts have also been characterized by this particular condition.
Treatment Approaches
As a psychological condition, PTSD is mostly treated through psychotherapy approaches. However, medication can also be used in its management.
Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists are the primary medical practitioners trained and skilled to diagnose and treat PTSD.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing are examples of therapies used in the treatment of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy entails talk therapy that is focused on bringing about psychological, emotional and behavioral changes within the patient (Kar, 2011). Eye movement desensitization on the other hand, utilizes eye movements to PTSD patients minimize the stress associated with a specific traumatic event (PTSD– Treatment, n.d.).
Medical solutions are also available for the treatment of this condition, with selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) as good example.
This drug is linked to the reduction of depression and anxiety among PTSD patients.
References
Kar, N. (2011). Cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: a review. Retrieved November 12, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3083990/
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2017, from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/post-traumatic-stress-disorder--treatment-overview#1
PTSD: National Center for PTSD. (2007, January 01). Retrieved November 12, 2017, from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/therapy-med/treatment-ptsd.asp
