PTSS Vs. PTSD: Similarities, Differences, And Treatment Options

Trauma and stressor-related disorders are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and include conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder. In some cases, the term post-traumatic stress syndrome might be used to describe the impacts of traumatic stress, although the condition is not listed in the DSM-5. Understanding the differences and similarities between these terms can be a step toward receiving support after experiencing a traumatic event.  

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What is PTSS?

PTSS is not an official DSM-5 diagnostic label but might be used to describe certain challenges that do not fit in another label. Symptoms of PTSS are similar to those of PTSD, including but not limited to: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Avoidance of stimuli that remind one of a traumatic event 
• Fear 
• Hypervigilance 
• Mood swings
• Physical symptoms like headaches, shakiness, and sweating
• Changes in appetite, sleep habits, and weight
• Recurrent intrusive memories and nightmares related to a traumatic event 

Traumatic events that can cause PTSS might include sexual assault, abuse, extreme stress, natural disasters, and other life-changing or life-threatening events. 

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness listed in the DSM-5 that appears over a month after a traumatic experience occurs. This condition may develop months or years after someone has experienced trauma or witnessed a traumatic event happening to someone else. PTSD typically causes symptoms listed in four categories, including: 

• Avoidance symptoms
• Alterations in mood and cognitive function
• Arousal and reactivity symptoms 
• Intrusion symptoms 

Avoidance symptoms 

The avoidance-related symptoms of PTSD typically involve avoiding places, people, items, topics, or situations that remind one of their trauma. An individual may also attempt to avoid memories or nightmares of the trauma, whether by avoiding sleep or distracting themselves with a busy schedule. 

Negative alterations in mood and cognitive function

Negative alterations in mood and cognition might include the following symptoms: 

• Memory loss 
• Problems concentrating
• Diminished interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Social withdrawal
• Mood swings
• Emotional detachment
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions

Arousal symptoms

Someone with PTSD may feel irritable and experience outbursts of anger. They may also be hypervigilant of their surroundings and experience difficulty trusting others. For example, certain noises or stimuli can trigger memories of a traumatic event or cause anxiety or panic attacks. Someone may also experience difficulty falling asleep due to a hyperactive mind or racing thoughts. 

Intrusion symptoms

Intrusion symptoms of PTSD can include the following: 

• Recurrent distressing memories 
• Nightmares and distressing dreams
• Dissociation 
• Flashbacks, which are vivid memories that might seem like reliving a traumatic situation 
• Intense distress due to triggers

PTSS vs. PTSD: Similarities and differences

PTSS is not a mental illness but a term to refer to traumatic stress that occurs within 30 days after a traumatic event. PTSS can cause the same symptoms as PTSD but in a shorter time frame, and symptoms may not be as severe. Thus, there are no significant differences between the two conditions. After 30 days have passed, a mental health professional or psychiatrist might diagnose PTSD. 

If symptoms subside after 30 days, an individual may not be living with a mental health disorder due to the traumatic event and may instead be having a normal reaction to traumatic stress. Some people may be at greater risk of developing PTSD than others, and each person may react differently to a traumatic event than another. 

Treatment options for trauma- and stressor-related disorders

Trauma- and stressor-related conditions are often treated with a combination approach of techniques, including medication, support groups, self-care, and therapy. Each person is different, but various evidence-based treatments have been found to help individuals manage symptoms. 

Medication

Medication may be prescribed to reduce the severity of certain symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and severe stress. In addition, a few medications have been approved to treat nightmares, which are a common symptom of PTSS and PTSD. Medications might be used to reduce symptoms that make it difficult to attend therapy or receive other treatments. 

Consult a medical doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication for any condition. The information in this article is not a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis. 

Support groups 

PTSD can make it difficult for individuals to connect with a social community, and it might seem that others don’t understand your experience if you’ve recently gone through a traumatic event. Support groups offer a space to talk to others who have experienced trauma and may understand the symptoms of PTSD. Support groups can often be attended online or in person. Below are a few PTSD support group tools to consider: 

• The Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s ADAA support group search tool
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) support group search
• After Silence, an online support group for survivors of sexual abuse or assault 
• The CPTSD Foundation’s weekly online support groups

You might also consider conducting an online search to find other support groups that may be offered in your area. Some therapists may also offer therapy groups like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups, which offer an evidence-based and structured approach to treatment. Therapy groups are often covered by insurance or require an out-of-pocket cost, but support groups are typically free to attend and peer-led. 

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Therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder

Therapy is often considered one of the most effective treatments for PTSD and other mental illnesses, such as PTSS. Therapeutic modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure therapy, and eye movement reprocessing and desensitization therapy (EMDR) are often cited as the most advantageous for PTSD symptoms due to their structure. 

In some cases, it may be difficult to leave home for in-person appointments with a therapist due to PTSD symptoms. If you face barriers to these types of appointments, an online platform like BetterHelp may be beneficial. Through an online therapy platform, you can attend therapy from home and choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions. 

If you’re unsure about the effectiveness of this therapy format, it may be helpful to look at recent studies. In a 2020 systematic review on online treatments for PTSD, researchers found a trial that looked at an online therapy intervention involving CBT and EMDR. After treatment, 55% of individuals didn’t meet the criteria for PTSD.