Information From Your Health Care Provider

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

(PTSD)

Basic information

description

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops in people who have experienced an event that is extremely distressing. Such events (e.g., natural disasters, murder, rape, war, imprisonment, torture, accidents) produce psychological (emotional) stress in everyone. PTSD involves a persistent re-experiencing of the trauma and other symptoms. The symptoms may begin right after the event or develop months or years later. PTSD can affect all ages. It is more common in women than men.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Recurrent, intrusive, and distressing memories of the event. A sense of reliving the event (flashbacks).
Recurrent dreams or nightmares relating to the event.
Chronic anxiety; insomnia; easily startled.
Difficulty in concentrating; memory problems.
A sense of personal isolation (feeling alone).
Lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
Phobic (fearful) reactions to situations or avoiding activities that recall memories of the event.
Emotional effects (irritability, restlessness, tearfulness, explosive outbursts of behavior including violence, a numbness of feelings, or painful guilt feelings).

causes

Exact cause is unknown. Exposure to an overwhelming, distressing event is a main factor. Other factors may involve a person's personality type, chemical imbalance in the brain, environmental stresses, and genetics.

risk increases with

Event:
- The type, severity, and duration of the event.
- Proximity of event (direct involvement or witness).
Personal:
- Emotional problems (such as low self-esteem).
- Lack of support from family, friends, or community.
- Childhood history of alcoholic parents, neglect, abuse, separation of parents, poverty, or violence.
- Previous experience with trauma.
- Personal or family history of mental disorders.
- Alcohol or drug abuse.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Counseling and crisis intervention right after a traumatic event may prevent the development of PTSD.
Debriefing soon after an event. Persons involved discuss the event, their emotions, and their reactions.

expected outcomes

For some patients, the symptoms go away on their own after 6 months. Most patients can be helped with treatment. In others, the disorder may become chronic.

possible complications

Marriage and family conflicts, difficulty in parenting children effectively, loss of friends, and unemployment.
Depression, anxiety, phobias, drug or alcohol abuse.
Self-inflicted violence and suicide.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and exposure to a traumatic event. Medical tests may be done to rule out physical disorders. Mental health tests may be done.
Treatment may include medical care (if needed for injuries or substance abuse), counseling (psychotherapy), drugs, education, self-help, and support groups. Individual treatment depends on your situation (safety from harm), your symptoms, and your health status.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often recommended. Cognitive therapy teaches how to change thoughts, behaviors or attitudes. Behavioral therapy teaches ways to reduce anxiety with deep breathing and muscle relaxation. Other types of therapies can be effective.
Learn relaxation techniques.
Talking about the event may help you cope. Talk to family, friends, clergy, or join a support group.
To learn more: National Institute of Mental Health; 6001 Executive Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20892-9663; (866) 615-6464; website: www.nimh.nih.gov.

medications

Antidepressant, antianxiety drugs, or drugs to treat insomnia may be prescribed (for a short time).

activity

A routine exercise program is helpful for physical and mental well-being; 30 minutes each day is a good goal.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.