Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

November 16, 2021

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Nearly 6 out of every 100 people (6% of the population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives. In this 3-minute article we discuss what post traumatic stress disorder is along with the symptoms, treatments, and tests for PTSD. 

What Is PTSD? 

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as war/combat, a terrorist act, sexual violence, or even a natural disaster. About 15 million adults have PTSD during a given year. 

Definition of PTSD 

The definition of post traumatic stress disorder is a disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.

Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms of PTSD fall into four different categories: intrusion, avoidance, changes in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. These symptoms can vary in severity. 

1. Intrusion 

This can include intrusive thoughts such as repeated distressed dreams or flashbacks of the traumatic event. Oftentimes flashbacks can be so vivid and intense that people feel as if they are re-living the traumatic experience again. 

2. Avoidance 

Avoidance can include avoiding reminders of the traumatic event such as avoiding certain people, places, or things that may trigger distressing memories. Individuals may entirely resist talking about what happened or how they feel about it.  

3. Changes In Cognition and Mood 

Alterations in cognition and mood means that the individual is unable to remember important aspects of the traumatic event or negative thoughts/negative feelings arise leading to a distorted belief about oneself and the event. For example, "no one can be trusted," or "I am a bad person," are common emotions and beliefs in an individual experiencing PTSD. 

4. Changes In Arousal and Reactivity 

Alterations in arousal and reactivity pertain to being irritable, having angry outbursts, behaving recklessly or in a self-destructive way, being unable to sleep or concentrate, and being overly watchful and alert. 

PTSD Therapy 

There are three main priorities of PTSD therapy:

• Restore your self-esteem and self-love
• Improve your symptoms
• Teach you skills to deal with it

Treatments For PTSD 

The most widely-used trauma-focused psychotherapies with the strongest evidence are cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, eye movement and reprocessing, and trauma-focused psychotherapies. 

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

This form of therapy teaches you to reframe your negative thoughts about the trauma which eventually leads to reframing your feelings. This involves talking with a trained professional about your negative thoughts as well as short writing assignments. 

Prolonged Exposure (PE) 

Prolonged exposure teaches you how to gain control by facing your negative thoughts and emotions. For example, you may talk to your provider and do some of the things you have avoided since the trauma. Although this may be uncomfortable at first, it can prove immensely helpful in overcoming negative thoughts about the trauma. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing 

(EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps you make sense of the trauma. This means calling the trauma to mind while simultaneously paying attention to a back-and-forth movement like a finger moving side to side, a flashing light, or a loud sound such as a balloon popping. 

Trauma-Focused Psychotherapies

This is the most highly recommended type of treatment for PTSD. The word "trauma-focused" means that the treatment focuses on the memory of the traumatic event and its meaning. Trauma-focused psychotherapies involve visualizing, talking, or thinking about the traumatic memory. This usually lasts about 8-16 sessions. 

Medications For PTSD

Unfortunately, the brains of people with PTSD perceive "threats" much differently than other individuals. This is in part because the balance of chemicals called neurotransmitters are "out of whack." Meaning, they have an easily triggered "fight or flight" response. This is what makes you jumpy, aggressive, and on-edge. 

Certain FDA-approved medications that affect the neurotransmitters serotonin or norepinephrine may help improve symptoms of PTSD. Such as: 

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertaline (Zoloft)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) 

Supplements For PTSD 

There are several well-known supplements that have been used to help alleviate symptoms of PTSD. 

• Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that is classified as an adaptogen and has been around for over 3,000 years to help the body manage stress. 
• L-theanine: L-theanine is a non-essential amino acid commonly found in black and green tea. It has grown in popularity in recent years to help people ease stress, sleep better, and unwind. 
• Valerian root: Valerian root extract is an herb native to Asia and Europe. It can help increase relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. 
• Passionflower: People have used passionflower for medicinal purposes since the 16th century to help treat anxiety and insomnia. 
• Magnesium citrate: Studies suggest that taking magnesium citrate supplements for anxiety are very effective.
• 5-HTP: 5-HTP is an amino acid that your body naturally produces. Your body uses 5-HTP to produce serotonin, a "happy chemical."
• Rhodiola rosea: Rhodiola is classified by researchers as an adaptogen. Studies suggests that rhodiola can make you less prone to physical and mental stress. 

Thought Calmer is an all-natural stress supplement formulated by doctors and neuroscientists. This natural stress relief supplement is a unique blend of ashwagandha, l-theanine, magnesium citrate, 5-HTP, and rhodiola rosea. You can buy Thought Calmer here.  

Tests For PTSD

There are multiple online tests for PTSD. The most reputable is the one conducted by Mental Health America. You can take their PTSD test here. 

Who Gets PTSD? 

Anyone at any age can develop PTSD. The most at risk individuals of developing post traumatic stress disorder are war veterans, children who are physically or emotional abused, and individuals who have been through a natural disaster, sexual assault, or a serious accident. 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Summary 

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as war/combat, a terrorist act, sexual violence, or even a natural disaster. Nearly 6 out of every 100 people (6% of the population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives. 

Symptoms of PTSD fall into four different categories: intrusion, avoidance, changes in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity.

The most widely-used trauma-focused psychotherapies with the strongest evidence are cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, eye movement and reprocessing, and trauma-focused psychotherapies.   

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