Years ago, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was something different. Or so people thought. Some people believed it only affected those who saw battle. Shell shock is a common name for the PTSD of the past. Through the years, we learned that PTSD can affect anyone, at any age. Of course, there are reasons someone has PTSD, and those reasons vary. Here is more information about what it is and what causes it, as well as PTSD stages and signs. The most important thing to know is that there is help with a PTSD treatment center.
Researchers believe that PTSD doesn’t come from a single event. Instead, there are a variety of predispositions and risk factors that contribute. For example, it may seem that someone who was in a war or works as a first responder would have PTSD. And some do. Yet, not every person exposed to trauma has PTSD. And this is where the risk factors and predispositions come in. Of course there are many triggers that lead to PTSD. These include:
Some predispositions include:
Those who have a family history of anxiety issues are more likely to experience issues with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Certain mental illnesses can cause a higher risk for PTSD. Those especially contributory are depression and anxiety.
Everyone doesn’t have the same brain wiring. Those who do not have PTSD after exposure to the same events as others who have PTSD have a unique brain structure. This is because there is research that leads to knowledge of the brain reacting differently to fear and emotions.
It is not uncommon for those with a history of stress or trauma to be more apt to develop PTSD. This also goes for those children who grow up in homes with addiction.
According a post on NIMH, about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and genes may make some people more likely to develop PTSD than others. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event.
There are many signs and symptoms of PTSD, and each person is unique. Here are some to be aware of and know there is a place to get help.
Negative mood symptoms usually start right after a traumatic event. They then worsen as time goes by.
This is where the person with PTSD avoids memories and triggers in order to minimize their suffering. This may include staying away from certain places and/or avoiding certain people and situations.
For those with PTSD, the longer they go without treatment, the worse the symptoms. These symptoms include:
Those are some symptoms to expect as PTSD goes untreated. Get help with a PTSD treatment center. Some treatments that work for PTSD include:
This type of psychotherapy helps change how a person thinks. It modifies things like destructive behavior and thinking. The strategies used in CBT work to identify harmful thoughts and use strategies to overcome these thoughts.
This allows the patient to learn coping measures in a safe environment.
EMDR uses eye movements to minimize traumatic emotions and memories. It triggers these simultaneous recollections of stimulation and memories through the eye movements.
This type of therapy uses stress management therapies. It involves things like:
If you know someone with signs of PTSD, we can help them navigate the symptoms and help them heal. PTSD is not rare, but needs treatment. Our admissions team is always here to help answer questions. At Transformations Treatment Center, we are here for you. Reach out to us, so we can set you or your loved one on the right path to healing.
