Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. These events can range from natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist attacks, war/combat, rape, or other violent personal assaults. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of PTSD, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options available at our psychiatric centre, Rekindle Wellness Psychiatric Centre in Kolkata.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It’s not just confined to war veterans but can affect anyone. It’s as if your mind gets stuck on a loop, constantly replaying the traumatic event. This can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness.
What Causes PTSD?
PTSD is not caused by any single factor. Rather, it’s the result of a complex interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Traumatic events can trigger PTSD, especially those that threaten a person’s life or personal security. The severity and duration of the trauma, the individual’s emotional response to it, and the kind of support they receive afterward can all influence the development of PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD
The symptoms of PTSD can vary widely between individuals but generally fall into four main categories:
1. Reliving: People with PTSD repeatedly relive the traumatic event through intrusive memories, nightmares, and flashbacks. They may also experience intense distress or physical reactions when reminded of their trauma.
2. Avoidance: Those suffering from PTSD may avoid people, places, activities, objects, and situations that could remind them of the traumatic event. This can lead to feelings of detachment and isolation from family and friends, as well as a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
3. Increased arousal: Symptoms in this category include being easily startled or frightened, feeling on edge, having difficulty sleeping, and experiencing angry outbursts.
4. Negative changes in thinking and mood: This can manifest as distorted feelings like guilt or blame, ongoing fear, anger, and feelings of estrangement from others.
Diagnosis of PTSD
PTSD is diagnosed after a person experiences symptoms for at least one month following a traumatic event. However, symptoms may not appear until several months or even years later. The disorder is characterized by three main types of symptoms: re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive distressing recollections of the event, flashbacks, and nightmares; avoidance of places, people, and activities that are reminders of the trauma; and increased arousal such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feeling jumpy, and being easily irritated and angered.
Treatment of PTSD at Rekindle Wellness Psychiatric Centre
At Rekindle Wellness Psychiatric Centre, we understand that PTSD is not just a disorder but a response to unbearable psychological pain. And, we are here to help. Our treatment approach is holistic and personalized, involving psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and medication if necessary.
Psychotherapy involves talking about the traumatic event with a mental health professional to understand and change thought patterns that lead to fear and anxiety. CBT helps individuals learn how to identify and change thought patterns that lead to troublesome emotions, feelings, and behavior. EMDR helps to change the way these traumatic memories are stored within the brain, making them easier to manage.
Medications, such as antidepressants, can help manage PTSD symptoms such as sadness, worry, anger, and feeling numb inside. Sleeping problems and nightmares can also be treated with medication.
Conclusion
PTSD is a debilitating condition that can severely affect a person’s daily life. However, with the right treatment and support, people with PTSD can recover and lead a normal life. At Rekindle Wellness Psychiatric Centre, we are committed to providing the best care and treatment for PTSD. If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, please reach out to us at +91-9833304241 or info@rekindlewellness.com. Remember, there is no shame in seeking help. You are not alone, and we are here to help.
References
1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
2. National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
3. Mayo Clinic. (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
4. World Health Organization. (2019). International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (11th Revision).
5. National Center for PTSD. (2020). PTSD: National Center for PTSD.