Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is typically developed after an individual has experienced a shocking, scary, dangerous, or unexpected event. However, not all people who develop PTSD have experienced such traumatic event. Some people have developed it after an unexpected death of a loved one. In fact, the National Center for PTSD estimated that about 8 out of 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lived.

What are the risk factors that influence the development of PTSD?

• Getting hurt
• History of either mental illness or substance abuse
• Dealing with additional extra stress after the traumatic/dangerous event or trauma
• Seeing people being hurt or killed
• Lack of social support after the event
• Experiencing atraumatic event yourself including an abusive relationship

What resilience factors can reduce the development of PTSD?

• Social support
• Support group
• Having a coping strategy
• Effective reactions to an event despite the fear

What are the symptoms for adults?

• Feeling a great distress
• Disruptions in daily life activities
• Negative beliefs and feelings
• To be diagnosed with PTSD, they must have experienced ALL of the following for a period of at least 1 month:
  • At least one re-experiencing symptom (flashback, bad dreams, frightening thoughts)
  • At least one avoidance symptom (staying away from place or object for example, that remind you of traumatic experience)
  • At least 2 arousal and reactivity symptoms (easily startled, difficulty sleeping, angry outbursts)
  • At least 2 cognition and mood symptoms (negative thoughts about oneself/world, feelings of guilt or blame, loss of interest in enjoyable activities)
• Symptoms mentioned have to last for about 3 or more months for diagnosis

What are the symptoms for children under age 6?

Although the reactions can be similar, teens and children may have other reactions such as:

• Wetting the bed even though they have already been taught on how to use the toilet
• Forgetting/unable to talk
• Being clingy with caregiver
• Acting out the traumatic event during playtime
• Thoughts of revenge

How is PTSD treated?

• Medications
• Psychotherapy
  • Exposure Therapy
    • Helps individuals face & control their fear
  • Cognitive Restructuring
    • Allows people to make sense of their bad memories

How can I help someone with PTSD?

• Help them get the right diagnosis & treatment
• Encourage them to get treatment & to stick with it (i.e. accompany them to the doctor)
• Offer them emotional support
• Gain knowledge yourself of what it’s like to have PTSD and what it is
• Listen carefully
• Never ignore their comments (i.e. death or desire to wanting their life to end)

How can I help myself?

• Accept the fact that you may have PTSD and that it may be a slow process of healing, but you can get better
• Talk to your doctor about your options
• Set goals
  • Prioritize
• Engage in activities with your loved ones
• Know what to expect
• Communicate with others what you are feeling (i.e. your trigger symptoms)