When the abbreviation “PTSD” is mentioned, one immediately associates it with psychotherapy and mental health disorders. However, this disorder is more than just a mental issue. It is also associated with the fact that there are some cases where patients exhibit violent or aggressive behavior that does not always have a clear cause. The problem of violent behavior often arises from stress, which in turn releases the patient’s adrenaline. This can lead to further aggression and violence if left unchecked.
Traumatic brain injury is also another reason why some patients develop PTSD. This is also due to an ailment known as the diffuse traumatic event. This is often caused by a bomb explosion, being shot at or even being subjected to violence by a person who you think you can trust. In such cases, there are no apparent cause but the result is PTSD.
But there are common symptoms associated with the disorder. These include flashbacks, nightmares, flashbacks of the events that led up to the trauma and anger/upset. There is also a tendency for patients to become isolated, depressed and anxious most of the time. The disorder description also mentions problems with impulse control and aggressive behaviors.
Typically, victims are rushed to hospital and given rapid treatment. This normally includes psychotherapy sessions or group therapy. The treatment is administered to attempt to ease the trauma and distress that the victim undergoes. But in some rare cases, a patient may require hospitalization as well.
PTSD can be treated depending on the severity. If it is a mild case, simple psychotherapy will do. A combination of psychotherapy and medications may also help. There are also several support groups that can be of great help to such patients. They help the patients cope with their mental health disorders and give them the strength they need to get on with their lives. Other than this, military veterans and their families can find such support groups as well.
According to a recent study, PTSD is more prevalent among women than among men. The disorder is defined as an enduring, life-long mental health condition that can result from exposure to sudden and often severe stressors (such as the sudden loss of a loved one or the experience of a traumatic event). When stressors like the death of a loved one or a traumatic event leads to a variety of symptoms like intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and physical symptoms like sleep problems, dry mouth, dizziness and headaches, then it has been classified as a traumatic event.
The symptoms of PTSD usually occur short after the incident. However, there have been reports that the disorder may develop over a period of time. In order to prevent the development of PTSD, there are a number of treatment options available for patients who suffer from the disorder. Some of these options include:
Although the causes of PTSD are still under study, there are many promising treatments available in the form of psychotherapy, medications and natural remedies. However, it is important to note that most physicians will not prescribe drugs to help patients suffering from the disorder because they are not sure of the long term side effects. So, if you think you are suffering from this disorder, it is important to consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Psychotherapy can be very helpful for people who suffer from PTSD. This type of therapy aims to reduce the negative effects that the disorder has on a person’s life by teaching the patient how to cope with his or her fears and help him or her learn how to effectively deal with negative thoughts and images. This therapy can also teach patients how to modify their behaviors in order to help them manage their PTSD. Other forms of psychotherapy administered by experts include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps victims identify the root cause of their fears and how to overcome them. Another is called exposure therapy, which exposes the sufferer to the triggering event(s) in a controlled environment and teaches him or her how to gradually cope with the fear over a period of time.
Medications like anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications have also proven to be effective when used to treat the disorder. In addition, there are a number of alternative treatments for PTSD which include different types of therapies and self-help books. A combination of these types of treatments should help PTSD victims address their condition more effectively and live a life free from its harmful effects.
There are a number of ways you can treat your PTSD. Your treatment will most likely depend on how severe your disorder is and on your reactions to stressors in your daily life. Do not try to tackle your symptoms alone. Seek advice from a professional before taking any steps toward diagnosis and treatment. Your health care professional should be able to provide you with the support you need to manage your disorder. Remember, this disorder can be treated, and with the right assistance it can be brought under control.