Post traumatic Stress Disorder

What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a fairly common psychiatric condition that occurs in people who have witnessed some deeply disturbing events in their lives. This has a deep impact on the psyche of some people and may interfere with their everyday lives. The patient may experience the condition in combination with other mental disorders like depression or panic attacks. At its worst, PTSD may incite suicidal behaviour.

What are its main signs and symptoms?

It is a psychiatric disorder with an array of psychobiological effects. The signs that are almost always associated are as follows:

1. A history of experiencing or witnessing a stressful event.
2. Re-experiencing the memories of that one event that include nightmares and (or) flashbacks.
3. Efforts to avoid situations, places, and people that are reminders of the traumatic event to the point that this might interfere with everyday life functioning.
4. Hyperarousal symptoms, such as irritability, concentration problems, and sleep disturbances.

The incident can vary from witnessing another person being killed/ badly injured, being in a life-threatening accident, having faced violence of intimate nature, being subject to sexual violence, experiencing a natural disaster, to being threatened with a weapon. 

What are its main causes?

In an era marred by terrorist activities, violent crime and abuse, military combat, natural disasters, serious accidents or violent personal assaults, traumatic incidents are not uncommon. Many of us get disturbed deeply with such stressful events, but after a few days or weeks manage to get over the sadness and resume routine lives.

Our body responds differently to the stress of a traumatic event. Normally, people work in a direction to cope with the stress. However, some people resort to an abandonment of ‘efforts’ and suppress any emotion or fear. This may lead to PTSD.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis can be made by assessment of certain self-reported or practitioner-assisted questionnaires and scales. These must be done very sensitively catering to the sensibilities of the patient. Treatment involves counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, relaxation techniques and tremendous support from friends and family. Medicines may be prescribed, mostly antidepressants, depending upon the severity of the condition.

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