PTSD
Overview
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This might include physical or sexual assault, war, natural disasters, accidents, or any other event that posed a threat of injury or death.
Symptoms of PTSD can include intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in thoughts or mood, and significant changes in physical and emotional reactions. These symptoms can cause significant distress or functional impairment, and they persist for more than a month following the trauma.
Both the DSM-5 and the ICD-11 provide similar definitions of PTSD, highlighting the importance of the traumatic event, the intrusive symptoms, avoidance behaviour, and negative mood and cognitive alterations in the diagnosis.
Key Features
Intrusion Symptoms:
Recurrent, intrusive memories: Distressing memories of the traumatic event that intrude into consciousness.
Flashbacks: Feeling as though the traumatic event is happening again, often accompanied by sensory and emotional re-experiencing.
Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to the traumatic event.
Avoidance Symptoms:
Avoidance of reminders: Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the trauma.
Avoidance of triggers: Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind the individual of the traumatic event.
Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood:
Negative thoughts and beliefs: Persistent and distorted beliefs about oneself or the world (e.g., "I am bad," "The world is completely dangerous").
Blunted affect: Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others.
Difficulty remembering aspects of the trauma: Blocking out important aspects of the traumatic event.
Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity:
Hypervigilance: Being excessively alert or on guard, expecting danger.
Exaggerated startle response: Jumpiness or being easily startled.
Irritability or aggression: Outbursts of anger or irritability.
Duration and Impact:
Symptoms persist for more than one month.
Symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Types of PTSD:
Acute PTSD: Symptoms develop within three months of the traumatic event and last for at least one month.
Chronic PTSD: Symptoms persist for three months or longer.
Delayed-Onset PTSD: Symptoms emerge at least six months after the traumatic event, rather than immediately.
Understanding these key features and types of PTSD is crucial for recognising the condition and guiding appropriate treatment interventions. Effective treatments often include psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, CBT) and medications (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs) to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals affected by PTSD.
How We Can Help
Assessment and Diagnosis: Psychologists begin by conducting a thorough assessment to understand the individual's symptoms, trauma history, and any related factors that may influence their PTSD.
Psychoeducation: Providing information about PTSD, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options helps individuals and their families understand the condition, reduce stigma, and actively participate in treatment decisions.
Trauma-Focused Therapy: This includes several evidence-based therapies specifically designed to address PTSD symptoms, such as:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours related to the trauma, reducing avoidance, and promoting adaptive coping skills.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): Involves using bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, taps) while recalling distressing memories to help process and reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic experiences.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Involves gradually confronting and re-experiencing trauma-related memories, thoughts, and situations to reduce avoidance and fear.
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET): Focuses on constructing a chronological narrative of the traumatic experiences to promote emotional processing and integration.
Cognitive Restructuring: Helping individuals challenge and reframe negative beliefs and distorted thoughts about themselves, others, and the world that have developed as a result of the trauma.
Stress Management Techniques: Teaching relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, and other stress reduction strategies to help regulate arousal levels and manage anxiety.
Medication Management: While psychologists do not prescribe medications, they may collaborate with psychiatrists or other medical professionals to monitor and adjust medications (such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications) that can help alleviate symptoms of PTSD.
Supportive Counseling: Providing emotional support, validation, and empathy can help individuals process their trauma-related experiences, reduce feelings of isolation, and enhance coping abilities.
Family Therapy: Involving family members in therapy sessions can help improve communication, understanding, and support for the individual with PTSD, as well as address any family dynamics that may contribute to stress or trigger symptoms.
Educating Coping Strategies: Teaching practical skills for managing triggers, coping with stress, and improving interpersonal relationships can enhance the individual's ability to function effectively in daily life.
Follow-Up and Relapse Prevention: Monitoring progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and developing strategies to prevent relapse are essential to maintaining long-term recovery from PTSD.
Overall, psychologists use a combination of these approaches to help individuals with PTSD regain a sense of control, reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and ultimately recover from the effects of traumatic experiences. Treatment is often individualised to meet the unique needs and goals of each person affected by PTSD.
If you or someone you love is struggling with symptoms of PTSD, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team of psychologists is here to support you through your journey to recovery. Contact us today and take that important step towards healing.