16 Minutes
Table of Contents
- 1 What is PTSD? Definition and its Consequences?
- 2 What are the Signs and Symptoms of PTSD?
- 3 What are the Causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
- 4 What are the Effects of PTSD?
- 5 What are the levels of PTSD?
- 6 Sleep Disorders in PTSD
- 7 PTSD Nightmares and how to deal with them?
- 8 How to Treat PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Treatment Methods
- 9 Medications used for PTSD
- 10 PTSD Treatment Centers and Inpatient Rehab
- 11 Prevent PTSD complications
- 12 FAQs
Did you know approximately 8 out of 100 people experience PTSD at least once in their life, according to the National Center for PTSD? Being a PTSD patient or living with someone who has a mental illness is not easy. There are challenges that you have to face. And there is a risk of it being fatal if you don’t take treatment at the right time. What is PTSD? What are the consequences of PTSD? Are there any risk factors? What are the causes, signs, and symptoms of PTSD?
Note: If you think you have PTSD or want to learn everything about PTSD, read on!


PTSD is an abbreviation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. As the name suggests, it’s a trauma disorder that develops after a person experiences a traumatic event with such intensity that it disturbs the normal chemical balance in the brain and entices fear and anger qualities.
PTSD age-range
PTSD is a mental trauma-related disorder that is likely to go unnoticed because of its broad and vague symptoms. However, PTSD has been diagnosed in all ages from children to adults, which makes it one of the common trauma disorders.
It must be mentioned, however, that the following people may be more prone to develop PTSD:
- Having an abusive childhood history
- Living with a PTSD diagnosed Patient
- Having closed one suffer through traumatic events
- Having witnessed a PTSD suicidal case
- Female Gender
When any person finds themselves in a traumatic situation, by reflex the mind starts a mechanism called Flight and Fright response which produces physical symptoms. So, a person suffering from PTSD may be continually in such a state. And whenever he or she is reminded of the trauma he/she went through, the PTSD symptoms might get evident. And this is referred to as a PTSD attack.
What is the checklist of PTSD symptoms?
Following are the reported signs and symptoms of PTSD. And some of these symptoms may overlap with other symptoms of anxiety.
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Stomach Aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Chest tightness
- Disturbing Flashbacks
- Backaches
- Avoidance
- Intrusion
- Insomnia
- PTSD flashbacks
- Panic attacks
If you or somebody close to you checks off most of these symptoms, chances are they might be suffering from a PTSD attack and be an undiagnosed case of PTSD!
Note: Make sure to get checked and not take these symptoms lightly.
PTSD Symptoms in Children
Like many other disorders, PTSD syndrome tends to manifest itself differently in children as compared to adults. Therefore, it is important to notice the following symptoms as PTSD disorder in children might get overlooked.
Following are the symptoms to look out for:
- Clingy Behaviour
- Avoidance
- Agitation or Restlessness
- Loss of focus
- Aggressiveness
- Nervousness
- Constant sadness
- Being scared all the time
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Women
According to the surveys held all around the world, women are more prone to develop PTSD as compared to men. Being differently psychologically wired than men, women with PTSD tend to behave differently and may go undiagnosed.
Mental Breakdown Causes and Treatment
Some of the following symptoms might be prominent in such women:
- Severe Mood Swings
- Social Withdrawal
- Desensitization
- Sudden Anger Outbursts
- Insomnia
- Suicidal Thoughts
Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Men
Even though PTSD is less common in the male gender, this does not mean they don’t experience PTSD at all.
Men suffering from PTSD may exhibit the following signs and symptoms that may go unnoticed:
- Mood Irritability
- Changes in Libido
- Constant low mood
- Aggressive Reactions
- Excess Alcohol Intake
Symptoms of Childhood Trauma in Adults
Children who have suffered repeated and continuous abuse or assaults are more likely to develop ‘Complex PTSD’. Complex or c-PTSD is different from normal PTSD, which arises due to a single traumatic event.
PTSD Vs CPTSD | Differences in Symptoms and Diagnosis
Such adults will mostly present with the symptoms listed below:
- Severe alcoholism or other eating disorders
- Insomnia, Nightmares, Flashbacks
- Peaking sexual arousal (Hyper Arousal) or no arousal at all.
- Aggressive and Irritable Personalities
- Cynical and Extreme self-critics
- Continuous Self Doubt and self-harm
- Failed Relationships
- Extreme Trust Issues
- Fragmented childhood memories
PTSD can be classified based on the kind of traumatic incident that induced PTSD. Considering this, the following are the commonest causes of PTSD:
- Physical Trauma
- Emotional Trauma
- Mental Trauma
- Sexual Trauma
Note: It is essential to identify exactly the kind of PTSD a patient has before the treatment because each subtype requires a different approach in PTSD counseling.
Moreover, even these types of PTSD have further subtypes. Let’s look at the subtypes a bit closer to get a better idea:
Physical Trauma
It includes close to death-like experiences. For instance, RTAs, Rough airplane landings, Fire Breakouts, Disability, etc.
Emotional Trauma
All the PTSD patients with an extensive abusive history are sub-categorized under this type. For example, constant yelling, name-calling, emotional abuse, mental trauma.
Sexual Trauma
This type of PTSD includes all those patients who have a sexually abusive past or traumatic sexual history. For instance, that of rape, physical harassment, or assault.
PTSD is a life-changing mental trauma-related disorder that has a wide range of effects on your mind, body, and lifestyle. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss how PTSD affects your physical and mental health.
Long Term Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Physical and Physiological health both are essential to the healthy survival of an individual. Moreover, numerous studies have shown that disruptive physiological conditions lead to the physical functioning of the body. In PTSD syndrome, the individual is in a continuous state of fear, anger, or danger. Hence, the body is in constant hyper-alertness. According to the studies conducted, the long-term effects of PTSD highly coincide with severe comorbidity. And at times, PTSD consequences may prove fatal.
A few of them may be:
- Obesity/Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Cardiovascular Problems
- Psychosomatic Syndromes
- Neuromuscular and Connective Tissue Disorders
PTSD and Anger
One of the common presentations of patients suffering from PTSD is the increased hostility in their personalities.
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Moreover, the patient during a PTSD attack may exhibit extreme violence which may be verbal or physical. The aggressive trait in PTSD patients is not age-limited. It has come across as a dominant symptom among all PTSD patients irrespective of their ages.
Mental Illness Caused by Trauma
Like any other mental disorder, PTSD is a trauma-related mental disorder that takes a toll on your mental health. Furthermore, changes in personalities, new complexes, and fears may be integrated into you as a consequence of this mental trauma disorder. Plus, PTSD may also make way for other mental disorders such as; depression, Anxiety, Chronic Pain, or Phobias. But these changes are not for a lifetime. You have to remind yourself that these fears and thoughts are only a phase and not truly you.
Note: You have to believe that with the right kind of treatment plan and with the help of a PTSD specialist or any PTSD counselor you will be back to yourself in no time!
Short term effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
It is best to get diagnosed if you’re suffering from PTSD as soon as possible because the longer your mind-body goes through its symptoms, the deeper it takes a toll on your physical and mental health. Even though the short-term effects of PTSD are not as profound as long-term effects, they still might leave scars for a lifetime in terms of personality or thinking capabilities.
The Short Term Effects of PTSD may include:
- Constant Confusion
- Zero willpower or decision-making ability
- Low Self-esteem
- Pessimistic Approach
- Constant Low Mood
- Changes in the sleep cycle
- Bowel Disturbances
- Continuous Muscle Pain
Note: PTSD memory loss and difficulty in learning and focusing on new tasks is another common yet least-talked side effect of post-trauma stress.
Typically, the reactions to any traumatic event vary from person to person. But generally, there are five reactions noted while considering PTSD.
These five stages or levels of PTSD are listed below:
- Normal Stress Response
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Uncomplicated PTSD
- Comorbid PTSD
- Complex PTSD
Patients who have been diagnosed with PTSD present with significant sleep cycle changes and complain of not being able to sleep properly or maintain a good night’s sleep.
This is because PTSD predominantly affects the regular sleep cycle. The following sleep disorders are highly prevalent:
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Periodic Limb Movement
- Sleep Disordered Breathing
- Rapid Eye Movement Sleep
Amongst the other sleep disorders associated with PTSD, the frequency and severity of PTSD nightmares stand significant. Moreover, the distinguishing factor of PTSD nightmares from the regular nightmares is continuous and prolong re-enactment of the traumatic event in their sleep, over and over again. And they usually arise during REM sleep when a person may experience vivid dreams.
Besides, these nightmares act as a stimulus to the body to be in a flight or fight response yet again producing the emergency hormones along with adrenaline. So, it’s quite normal if you find yourself in sweats or fear when you wake up. Moreover, these nightmares cause severe distress to the mind and the musculature of the body. Therefore, patients diagnosed with PTSD may experience chronic pain and symptoms of anxiety.
How to deal with PTSD nightmares?
Experiencing PTSD nightmares itself is a nightmare. But luckily, various coping mechanisms and therapies have been introduced which minimize the symptoms to an unbelievable extent! Usually, when the cause of your nightmares is treated, these PTSD flashbacks cease to exist. However, if they persist, the following are therapies that work to eradicate the frequency and intensity of PTSD nightmares:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy ( CPT )
- Prolonged Exposure ( PE )
- Image Rehearsal Therapy ( IRT )
- Lucid Dreaming
Note: These therapies work on concepts like visual imagery and nightmare rescripting.
In addition to therapies, there are some prescribed PTSD nightmare medications like Prazosin which may reduce the PTSD nightmare symptoms.
Note: Its Adverse effects may include Headaches, Increased Blood Pressure
Furthermore, there are some devices advised as well to reduce nightmares such as; Continuous Positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, if a person tends to be claustrophobic they are recommended to use Mandibular Advancement Device.
Note: It is to be mentioned that alongside taking professional help, self-help like sleep hygiene holds great importance. It involves making a conscious effort to regulate your sleep cycles.
Other than regulating sleeping hours, you should make yourself comfy before bedtime and reassure yourself that everything is going to get better.
How to treat PTSD?
Note: Someone with a history of PTSD might still get PTSD flashbacks even after taking therapies and help from PTSD specialists and PTSD counselors.
This is because PTSD does not have any cure. And PTSD counseling can only minimize the severity of the symptoms of PTSD, not cure it. However, there are designed therapies that help treat post-traumatic stress to a certain extent.
Let’s highlight these PTSD treatment methods one by one:
Psychotherapy
The most common and earliest method of treating PTSD is talk therapy. In fact, psychotherapy is not only confined to treat PTSD symptoms, it is the most effective way to treat other trauma disorders and mental health problems. In psychotherapy, your therapist will first ask questions regarding your trauma, which might get uncomfortable and may result in PTSD anger outbursts.
However, to treat your condition, your counselor first has to get into your shoes.
And that will be the main goal of your PTSD counselor; to understand you better and build a connection before teaming up with you to treat PTSD. Depending on your condition, your therapist will give you a treatment plan that may consist of any of the following types of PTSD therapies.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cognitive behavioral therapy helps you improve your behavior and works on the way you react to PTSD triggers. CBT is basically a coping therapy that helps you come up with different ways to live with PTSD nightmares and flashbacks.
It helps you to gradually move on and take control of your emotions. Moreover, it helps PTSD patients to build stronger self-esteem, turning their can’t into cans. Furthermore, CBT usually includes multiple sessions in a 12-week course. However, your specialist might call you for follow-ups to monitor your mental health and look for any PTSD symptoms later in life.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
According to WHO, this therapy focuses on dealing with negative beliefs and thoughts due to traumatic memories while reprocessing the incident. Some experts include EMDR with exposure therapy for PTSD and some PTSD specialists combine the two.
It mainly deals with the patient re-entering or reprocessing the time of traumatic incident via certain gestures or specialized programs; for instance, creating a virtual reality. This means you won’t have to speak about your trauma, rather you will have to re-play the traumatic incident.
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Your therapist will provide you with a stimulus, like hand-tapping, flashlight, or a sound. What you have to do is to watch, listen, and concentrate on your therapist’s activity and reprocess the cause of your post-traumatic stress disorder.
Present Centered Therapy
Unlike other therapies that might be disturbing for PTSD patients as they include recalling stressful events, this is a non-trauma-focused therapy. As the name suggests, it deals with the effects of PTSD on current life and struggles rather than what happened in the past. All these therapies have proven very effective. However, sometimes you might need medications along with psychotherapies to treat PTSD.
PTSD attacks and other psychological symptoms of this trauma disorder not only need psychotherapy.
Certain medications are used for mental illnesses caused by trauma. These include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Benzodiazepines
However, there are only two specific medicines for PTSD approved by FDA, these are:
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
These two drugs come under the class of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). As the name implies, these PTSD medications modulate the activity of serotonin in the brain helping with PTSD social anxiety, mood, and panic attacks.
Other medications listed above are not recommended but can be used off-label. This is because these other medications do not really help with PTSD symptoms. In fact, some of these drugs, for instance, Xanax for PTSD might worsen the symptoms if not stopped at the right time.
Note: The dosage of each drug varies in each patient. Some patients might not be able to tolerate even 20 to 60 mg of paroxetine. So, follow your doctor’s advice and recommended dose.
To aid you in times of recovery from PTSD, some well-known PTSD inpatient treatment centers help you prevent the consequences of PTSD.
Inpatient therapy, like psychotherapy and PTSD medications, treats the signs and symptoms of PTSD. And this type of therapy may include:
- PTSD counseling for families
- Support groups
- Exercise and yoga
- A proper diet plan
- Individualized treatment program
- Holistic care
We understand that the trauma and memory associated with the traumatic event are not easy to handle. And for PTSD patients, it is an exhausting experience. The attacks, anxiety, flashbacks, depressions, insomnia, all of this can get overwhelming for PTSD patients. This is why, just like other medical conditions, we recommend you take early treatment to prevent the complications later.
Call us to speak to a therapist if you think you have PTSD!
FAQs
How do I know if I have PTSD?
If you have any of the PTSD symptoms mentioned above, we recommend you visit a therapist. Talking to a mental health therapist is the only way to know whether you have PTSD or not.
What does PTSD feel like?
You might feel a sudden wave of similar pain, pressure, stress, anxiety as the time of a traumatic event. And you might even relive the trauma and get PTSD flashbacks triggered by something that associates you with the trauma.
Can PTSD be cured?
Even though PTSD diminishes with time after you are done taking the therapy, it never goes away completely and the chances of relapsing episodes are very high. Hence, PTSD can only be ’managed’ by therapies but never cured.
How to support someone with PTSD?
Living with someone who has PTSD can get challenging. However, there is always a way to help someone with mental illness caused by any trauma.
The first thing is to win their trust. Be an ear. Listen to them. Talk about a similar experience. And if they want space, give them that!
Note: To help someone with PTSD, you should first learn about this trauma disorder in detail. So that you can support your loved ones the right way.
Can emotional abuse cause PTSD?
Most commonly, the cause of PTSD is physical abuse, like; war, assault, or any traumatic accident.
However, experts believe that PTSD from emotional abuse is another leading cause of PTSD. And this type of traumatic disorder now comes under the category of ‘Complex-PTSD’ or c-PTSD.
What can trigger PTSD?
PTSD trigger points are not the same in all PTSD patients. There are different types of PTSD triggers, some of them are:
● The sight of a person
● Certain smell
● Taste
● Specific sound
● A place or an object
Is PTSD Permanent?
Sadly and unfortunately, yes! PTSD is permanent. You might even forget about the trauma but the anxiety, irritability, aggression, insomnia, depression, all these PTSD symptoms might stay with you for a long time.
Can schizophrenia be triggered by a traumatic event?
Schizophrenia as we know, is a psychotic disorder. Many patients with PTSD also have schizophrenia and vice versa.
To keep it short, a traumatic event might not be the cause of schizophrenia; rather it can be included in the list of symptoms that occur after a traumatic event.
How to live with PTSD?
Living with PTSD is not easy. And PTSD patients can get suicidal at times. However, you can engage yourself in activities that interest you along with taking professional therapy.
What age group is PSD most common?
PTSD is common in people of all ages. However, according to the stats, PTSD from childhood abuse is the most common and leading cause. Therefore, children are at higher risk of experiencing PTSD as compared to adults.
Is PTSD more common in Males or Females?
The occurrence of a traumatic event is more common in men than women with around 60% men and 50% women experiencing a major trauma in their life.
In contrast, women’s PTSD is more common, with 10 of every 100 females being the victim of PTSD as compared to 4 out of 100 men.
What does PTSD do to a person?
PTSD mainly affects the brain resulting in psychological symptoms. It tends to hyperactivate some parts of the brain and minimize the activity of the rest. Other than that, PTSD also leads to increased blood pressure and heart rate.
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