Can You Take A PTSD Quiz?
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When the term “anxiety disorder” is used, it isn’t uncommon to think of social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder may even come to mind. An anxiety disorder that frequently goes overlooked, though, is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder known for the intense trauma that precedes it. Taking an online PTSD test can help you take steps toward diagnosing the condition. Learning the most common signs of PTSD can also help you support yourself and your loved ones if this condition is suspected.
Post-traumatic stress disorder: A definition
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that sometimes develops on the heels of a traumatic event or a series of traumatic events; individuals can develop PTSD from divorce and other life-altering events. Post-traumatic stress disorder can vary in severity, with more severe cases significantly interrupting day-to-day life.
Although many people experience some degree of distress when dealing with difficult life events, PTSD differs in its severity and longevity. With PTSD, symptoms last long after they would typically subside, usually for months or more. PTSD may present comorbidly, or alongside, other disorders as well, including panic disorder, which can involve anxiety or panic attacks.
Individuals with PTSD often benefit from the help of a mental health care professional.
What it means to experience post-traumatic stress disorder
Many people with PTSD feel alone or isolated from their peers. PTSD symptoms like avoidance, hypervigilance, flashbacks, and severe anxiety can all take a toll on an individual’s ability to function in typical settings. Trying to maintain a sense of normalcy might require more emotional energy than individuals have to spare, leading to self-isolation and withdrawal from friends and loved ones. Sometimes, seeking help can feel frightening or overwhelming.
Post-traumatic stress disorder does not have to be permanent, though. It is possible to recover from the effects of PTSD with the help of a professional.
Who experiences post-traumatic stress?
Trauma is more common than many people realize, and it is relatively common for individuals who have experienced severe trauma to develop PTSD. These types of traumatic events might include war, a serious car accident, abuse, or a natural disaster.
Even so, such overtly traumatic experiences are not prerequisites to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. What may seem to be more subtle situations, including divorce, moving, or being in an abusive partnership can also cause trauma. Thus, PTSD is understood to affect a large number of people with countless backgrounds, life events, and emotional states.
In fact, the National Center for PTSD notes that the condition may affect roughly 8% of women and 4% of men at some point in their lives.
Potential symptoms of PTSD
The symptoms of PTSD can span many experiences and behaviors. Still, there are a few that stand out as the core of PTSD symptoms. These include:
Hyperarousal
Flashbacks or “re-experiencing”
Avoidance
Cognitive and mood changes
A PTSD questionnaire
There are numerous resources for legitimate PTSD questionnaires and evaluations. While these cannot and should not take the place of an evaluation from a mental health professional, they can be an excellent steppingstone for individuals who suspect PTSD.
Important questions to ask yourself
Perhaps the most pressing question when trying to determine if you are experiencing PTSD is this: “Have you experienced anything in your life that has caused immense stress, pain, or fear?” Answering this question is the first step toward determining whether PTSD is a possibility. Although there are some instances in which trauma has been experienced without someone realizing it, it is far more common for people with PTSD to know and understand that something significant happened to them, even if they are not certain of its scope.
Next, you can ask yourself, “Have you relived that experience in your mind or body?” In post-traumatic stress disorder, flashbacks are common and can be extremely distressing. Far from being a simple flash of memory of a traumatic event, a flashback often transports people with PTSD back to the event to such an intense degree that they might feel as though they can smell, feel, or even taste aspects of the trauma-inducing event.
Next, consider this question: “Have you experienced significant changes to your life following the event mentioned above?” The answer to this can help determine the difference between grief or an unpleasant memory and PTSD.
Conclude with asking yourself, “Have you experienced avoidant behavior as a result of the trauma?” Avoiding the place where the trauma occurred, or other aspects of the trauma, could also indicate the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder.
If your response to each of the questions above is a resounding “yes,” it would be wise to schedule a visit with a mental health care professional as soon as possible. If you answered “yes” to some but not all the questions, it might still be prudent to speak to a mental health professional.
Treatment options for PTSD
Care for PTSD can involve a few different forms of therapy. In some cases, medication is needed to help ease the symptoms of PTSD. More commonly, therapy is used. Trauma therapies such as EMDR may be used to work through post- traumatic stress symptoms. This is in addition to standard talk therapy.
Some people find that more assistance is needed and may request lifestyle intervention assistance. They may even benefit from the help of a service animal, who can turn lights on and off, check rooms to make sure they’re empty, and provide a source of comfort and normalcy, should a PTSD attack come on.
Online therapy support options
Not all therapies and treatments will be available to everyone, but a mental health professional can give you an idea of what’s available in terms of help. If you believe you match the criteria for PTSD, do not hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional to seek professional evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. This can be done through your insurance company, local therapy directories, or online through providers such as BetterHelp.
Online counseling may be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing debilitating symptoms of PTSD. These symptoms can make it difficult to leave the house, interact with others, and go about normal activities. Online therapy is available from the comfort of your home.
Online therapy has also shown promise in treating PTSD effectively, especially using CBT. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of other types of internet-based therapies.
Takeaway
Whichever route you take, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, occurs as a result of trauma. Consequently, seeking treatment is a vital step forward in healing and improving your quality of life, and answering a PTSD questionnaire may help you take that first step toward treatment. Help is available, both in-person and online.
How can I know for sure if I have PTSD?
If you suspect you are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, you may want to take a quiz or screening tool, which can guide you on whether you need to seek a professional diagnosis. However, while the tool may provide initial answers, only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose you. A diagnosis might involve detailed discussions about your symptoms, which may include past trauma, recurring nightmares, or persistent fear. Difficulty sleeping and strong reactions to reminders of the event are also common indicators.
What to do when your stress disorder is triggered?
When your post-traumatic stress disorder is triggered, try to remove yourself from the situation that caused it, if possible. Practice grounding techniques, like deep breathing or mindfulness, which may help manage your immediate symptoms. It's also recommended to seek ongoing treatment, which may include medication, therapy, and strategies to cope with triggers over time.
How can a person with post-traumatic stress disorder help themselves?
A person with post-traumatic stress disorder can help themselves through various self-care practices, seeking therapy, and possibly taking medication under the guidance of a clinical director or healthcare provider. Having a routine, staying connected with supportive friends and family, and doing enjoyable activities or hobbies can also be beneficial.
What questions are on a post-traumatic stress disorder test?
A post-traumatic stress disorder test includes questions about experiencing traumatic events again, like having nightmares or flashbacks, and whether you avoid things that remind you of the trauma. It also examines any negative changes in your thoughts or mood related to the event and whether you've become more reactive or easily startled. The test helps to identify the presence and severity of symptoms that match the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.
How does PTSD affect a person's daily life?
Post-traumatic stress disorder can greatly affect a person's daily life, causing problems such as difficulty sleeping, intense emotional reactions to reminders of the trauma, and avoidance of certain places or people. These symptoms can lead to strained relationships, decreased work or school performance, and challenges in completing everyday tasks. The constant state of stress and anxiety may also lead to physical health problems.
Do I have trauma or am I overreacting?
Determining whether you're experiencing trauma or overreacting can be difficult. However, trauma is a response to an extremely upsetting or disturbing event, such as death, violence, or a threat to personal safety. If your reaction is intense and persistent, causing distress and affecting your daily life, it may be worth seeking professional help to address it.
Can you get PTSD from emotional abuse?
Yes, post-traumatic stress disorder can result from emotional abuse. Persistent emotional abuse can lead to long-term psychological trauma, similar to the effects of physical abuse. Emotional abuse in any form, whether as a child or adult, can be severely damaging and often requires professional support.
Why is post-traumatic stress disorder hard to treat?
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be hard to treat because it typically involves complex responses to trauma that can deeply change how a person feels and behaves. Treatment approaches typically include therapy, medication, and support. In addition, each individual's experience with PTSD is usually different, and what works for one person may not work for another.
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