What Are The Effects Of PTSD?
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Some veterans of war, survivors of domestic abuse, and millions of others who have experienced traumatic events face challenges in their daily lives because of PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental illness that can develop after experiencing or witnessing trauma. PTSD images and other memories can cause distressing and even debilitating symptoms months or years after trauma occurs. Below, we’ll cover some of the key symptoms and effects of PTSD as well as treatment options.
Categorizing the effects or symptoms of PTSD
In order for a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis to be considered, an individual must have exhibited the following signs or effects for one month or longer:
- At least one type of re-experiencing symptom
- At least one type of avoidance symptom
- At least two types of arousal and reactivity symptoms
- At least two types of cognition and mood symptoms
Within these four categories or clusters, there are multiple possible symptoms that a person can display. With PTSD, they will typically be severe enough to represent a hindrance to the person’s well-being, such as limiting their ability to work or form relationships. Recognizing the symptoms that fit within these key groups can help you know when it may be time to seek help for PTSD.
Re-experiencing symptoms
Flashbacks and nightmares are key examples of re-experiencing symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder. Flashbacks can be defined as the intrusive recollection of past traumatic events and the re-experiencing of them in the present. They are separate from one's normal consciousness and are involuntary and uncontrollable.
One of the core aspects of flashbacks in PTSD is the present-nature or "nowness" of the sensations. The thoughts, images, and memories from the past traumatic event can feel very realistic and as if they are actually happening at that moment. They can also be fragmented, as some individuals with PTSD might have some difficulty remembering everything about their trauma, which may make things more confusing. Flashbacks can be triggered by various stimuli. For example, certain words, sounds, and smells can cause traumatic events to resurface.
While many may have flashbacks while they are awake, there are others who primarily relive their past experiences through nightmares—or a person might experience both types of symptoms. Bad dreams about the trauma can occur over and over, causing distress and significantly reducing one's sleep quality. This can lead to other health problems and may exacerbate any other psychiatric conditions—which can make the nightmares more intense and more frequent in turn.
Avoidance symptoms
It’s common for people living with post-traumatic stress disorder to want to stay away from people or situations that may remind them of past trauma—a behavior pattern that represents avoidance symptoms.
While this instinct makes sense, those who continue to avoid specific triggers may end up experiencing even greater fear of them. Staying away from certain objects or places might prevent flashbacks; however, it also reinforces the idea that they are dangerous and consequently amplifies the individual’s fear. By continuing to stay away from triggers, the person does not give themselves a chance to desensitize themselves to the stimuli, which strengthens the learned response. That’s why some forms of therapy for PTSD focus on safely exposing the person to their traumatic memories or fears.
Arousal and reactivity symptoms
Hyperarousal is another key category of PTSD symptoms that can be chronic and may severely limit a person's quality of life and ability to function. This set of symptoms can include things like:
- Irritability
- Recklessness
- Hypervigilance
- Sleep disturbances
- Being easily startled
These effects of PTSD can create sleep disturbances for people and make it difficult to concentrate during waking hours, affecting their day-to-day activities. To others, the individual with post-traumatic stress disorder might seem constantly stressed out or appear angry.
Cognition and mood symptoms
Cognition and mood symptoms are the fourth symptom category that people with PTSD typically experience. They might believe that no one else can be trusted and feel estranged from the ones that they care about. They may also find that they don’t enjoy the same activities that they used to and may avoid participating in them.
Regarding cognitive abilities, one of the primary areas that PTSD can affect is memory, which can cause individuals to have trouble fully recalling the distressing event(s). PTSD can also impair a person's sustained attention and learning abilities.
Cognition and mood effects of post-traumatic stress disorder can be persistent and may reflect a trauma survivor's emotional well-being. They might feel as if nothing can ever change and improve, creating perpetual unhappiness. However, treatment is available, and things can get better for those with PTSD.
Treatment for PTSD
Although it can be distressing and can seriously alter one's life in a negative way, there are various treatments that can address these effects of PTSD. According to the National Center for PTSD, psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is usually the first line of treatment for this condition.
In some cases, per the National Center for PTSD website, medication may also be prescribed to help a person cope with symptoms as they pursue other treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend healthy lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, eating nutrient-dense foods, meditating, and joining a support group as well.
Seeking in-person mental health treatment isn’t always an option for people with post-traumatic stress disorder, however. Some people may lack providers in their area, while others may find it difficult to leave the house because of their symptoms. In such situations, online therapy can be a more convenient alternative.
Through a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist and meet with them remotely from anywhere you have an internet connection. Research suggests that, in many cases, talk therapy for PTSD that takes place online can be as effective as talk therapy that takes place in person.
Takeaway
What are the long-term effects of PTSD?
Post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, can have a range of long-term effects that impact various aspects of an individual's life. These effects can vary in severity and duration, depending on factors such as the nature of the trauma, the individual's resilience, and the presence of support systems. Some common long-term effects of PTSD include:
- Chronic Psychological Distress: Many individuals who develop PTSD continue to experience chronic psychological distress, including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and intense emotional reactions related to the trauma. These symptoms can persist for years without treatment.
- Impaired Relationships: PTSD can strain relationships with family members, friends, and romantic partners. Individuals with PTSD may struggle with emotional intimacy, trust issues, and difficulties in communicating their experiences and emotions to others.
- Physical Health Problems: The chronic stress associated with PTSD can contribute to physical health problems or physical reactions such as cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal problems, and compromised immune function.
- Substance Abuse: Some individuals with PTSD may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with their symptoms, leading to substance use disorders.
- Employment and Educational Challenges: PTSD can interfere with an individual's ability to work or attend school regularly, potentially leading to job loss, academic setbacks, or career instability.
- Increased Risk of Other Mental Health Disorders: Individuals with PTSD have a higher risk of developing other mental health disorders, including depression, severe anxiety disorders, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988 and is available 24/7.
- Sleep Disturbances: Sleep problems, such as insomnia or nightmares, can persist long-term in individuals with PTSD, further exacerbating their distress.
What are the 20 core symptoms of PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that can result from exposure to traumatic events. Individuals with PTSD may experience a wide range of symptoms that affect their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. Here is a consolidated list of 20 core symptoms commonly associated with PTSD, reflecting the diverse ways in which this condition can manifest.
- Recurrent, distressing memories of the traumatic event(s).
- Distressing dreams related to the traumatic event(s).
- Flashbacks or a sense of reliving the traumatic event(s).
- Intense psychological distress or physiological reactions when exposed to reminders of the event(s).
- Avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the event(s).
- Avoidance of external reminders, such as places, people, conversations, or activities, that trigger distressing memories or feelings.
- Inability to remember important aspects of the traumatic event(s).
- Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world.
- Persistent distorted thoughts about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s).
- Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
- Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
- Feeling detached from others or experiencing a sense of emotional numbness.
- Irritability or angry outbursts.
- Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
- Hypervigilance (constantly being on guard).
- Exaggerated startle response.
- Problems with concentration.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Chronic psychological distress.
- Impaired social and occupational functioning.
What can untreated PTSD lead to?
Untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to a range of negative consequences that affect various aspects of an individual's life. These consequences can become more severe and long-lasting if PTSD goes untreated. Some potential outcomes or risk factors of untreated PTSD include:
- Chronic Psychological Distress: Untreated PTSD often leads to persistent and severe psychological distress, including negative thoughts, intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and intense emotional reactions related to the traumatic event(s).
- Impaired Relationships: PTSD can strain relationships with family members, friends, and romantic partners. Individuals with untreated PTSD may struggle with emotional intimacy, trust issues, and difficulties in communicating their experiences and emotions to others.
- Physical Health Problems: The chronic stress associated with untreated PTSD can contribute to physical health problems such as cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal problems, and compromised immune function.
- Substance Abuse: Some individuals with untreated PTSD may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with their symptoms, leading to substance use disorders.
- Employment and Educational Challenges: Untreated PTSD can interfere with an individual's ability to work or attend school regularly, potentially leading to job loss, academic setbacks, or career instability.
- Increased Risk of Other Mental Health Disorders: Individuals with untreated PTSD have a higher risk of developing other mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988 and is available 24/7.
- Sleep Disturbances: Sleep problems, such as insomnia or nightmares, can persist and worsen in individuals with untreated PTSD, further exacerbating their distress.
Does PTSD ever go away?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex and chronic condition, but it is not necessarily a lifelong or permanent condition for everyone. The course of PTSD can vary widely among individuals, and while it may persist for some, it can improve or remit for others, especially with appropriate treatment and support.
Does PTSD cause brain damage?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that primarily affects psychological and emotional well-being. It does not directly cause brain damage in the way that physical trauma, infections, or certain neurological conditions can harm the brain's structure or function. However, PTSD can have various effects on brain function and structure, which are more accurately described as alterations or changes rather than brain damage.
Does PTSD get worse with age?
The course of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary from person to person, and whether it gets worse with age depends on several factors, including the individual's specific experiences, coping mechanisms, treatment, and support systems. Here are some key considerations regarding how PTSD can change over time:
- Natural Recovery: For some individuals, particularly those who have experienced a single traumatic event and have strong support systems, PTSD symptoms may naturally improve or remit over time without formal treatment.
- Chronic PTSD: On the other hand, if an individual has experienced multiple traumas, prolonged trauma exposure, or lacks appropriate treatment and support, PTSD can become a chronic condition, with symptoms persisting or worsening over the years.
- Cumulative Effect: The cumulative effect of multiple traumas over a person's lifetime can increase the risk of developing more complex and severe forms of PTSD, which may be associated with greater impairment over time.
- Age-Related Challenges: Aging can bring about additional challenges that intersect with PTSD. Older adults with PTSD may face age-related health issues, cognitive changes, and social isolation, which can complicate symptom management.
- Resilience and Coping: Some individuals develop effective coping strategies and resilience over time, which can help them manage their PTSD symptoms as they age. Supportive relationships, therapy, and self-help techniques can contribute to resilience.
- Treatment: Opportunity for appropriate treatment, such as trauma-focused therapies and medications, can significantly impact the course of PTSD. Individuals who receive early and effective treatment may experience symptom improvement and better long-term outcomes.
- Relapse: PTSD symptoms can sometimes resurface or worsen in response to stressors, reminders of the trauma, or new traumatic experiences, regardless of age. It's important to be aware of potential triggers and seek help if symptoms worsen.
How does someone with PTSD act?
Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can exhibit a wide range of behaviors and symptoms, which can vary in intensity and presentation among different individuals. It's important to recognize that the expression of PTSD can be influenced by factors such as the nature of the trauma, the individual's coping mechanisms, and their level of social support. Common behaviors and signs associated with PTSD may include:
Re-experiencing Symptoms:
- Flashbacks: Individuals with PTSD may suddenly and vividly relive the traumatic event, feeling as if it is happening again.
- Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to the trauma are common.
- Intrusive Thoughts: They may have persistent and distressing memories or thoughts about the traumatic event.
Avoidance and Numbing:
- Avoidance of Triggers: People with PTSD often go to great lengths to avoid reminders of the trauma. After a traumatic event, avoidance symptoms may include avoiding certain places, people, or activities.
- Emotional Numbing: They may have difficulty experiencing positive emotions and may feel emotionally detached or "numb" to the world around them.
Hyperarousal and Reactivity:
- Irritability: Individuals with PTSD may become easily irritable or have frequent outbursts of anger.
- Hypervigilance: They may be constantly on high alert, feeling as though danger is always present.
- Exaggerated Startle Response: Sudden noises or unexpected events can trigger strong physical and emotional reactions.
- Problems with Concentration: Many people with PTSD find it challenging to concentrate on tasks.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, frequent awakenings, and nightmares are common.
Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition:
- Negative Self-Perception: They may have persistent negative beliefs about themselves, others, or the world.
- Guilt and Shame: Feelings of guilt or shame related to the traumatic event may be prominent.
- Detachment: They may feel emotionally detached from others and experience a sense of isolation.
Changes in Social and Occupational Functioning:
- Difficulty in Relationships: PTSD can strain relationships due to emotional numbness, avoidance behaviors, and difficulty communicating.
- Work or School Problems: Impaired concentration and emotional distress can affect job performance or academic functioning.
Is PTSD a bad mental illness?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that results from exposure to trauma including physical abuse, sexual assault or abuse, childhood abuse, living through a natural disaster, war, or other traumatic events. It can have a significant impact on an individual's well-being and daily life and may be influenced by family history or genetics. However, it's important to clarify that whether a mental illness is "bad" or not is subjective and can vary from person to person.
What does undiagnosed PTSD look like?
Undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) refers to a situation in which an individual is experiencing symptoms of PTSD but has not received a formal diagnosis from a mental health professional. It's important to recognize that the presentation of undiagnosed PTSD can vary widely among individuals, and not everyone will exhibit the same signs or symptoms. Some common indicators or behaviors associated with undiagnosed PTSD may include:
- Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories: The person may have recurrent and distressing memories of the traumatic event(s), often accompanied by intense emotional reactions. They might not openly discuss these experiences but may appear preoccupied or distant when these memories intrude.
- Nightmares: Individuals with undiagnosed PTSD may have frequent nightmares related to the traumatic event(s). These nightmares can cause sleep disturbances and distress.
- Avoidance Behaviors: They may avoid situations, places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma. This avoidance can be subtle and may not always be obvious to others.
- Emotional Numbing: People with undiagnosed PTSD may have difficulty expressing their emotions or appear emotionally "numb." They might struggle to experience positive emotions and may withdraw from social interactions.
- Irritability and Mood Swings: Undiagnosed PTSD can lead to irritability, mood swings, and outbursts of anger, which may be misunderstood or attributed to other causes.
- Hypervigilance: They may exhibit a heightened state of alertness, always on guard for potential threats. This hypervigilance may not be apparent to others but can contribute to chronic stress.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Individuals with undiagnosed PTSD may have difficulty focusing, concentrating, or making decisions due to intrusive thoughts and emotional distress.
- Physical Symptoms: Some individuals may experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or chronic pain, which can be linked to their untreated psychological distress.
- Changes in Relationships: Undiagnosed PTSD can strain relationships due to avoidance behaviors, emotional numbness, and communication difficulties. Friends and family may notice changes in the individual's interactions and emotional availability.
- Self-Medication: Some people with undiagnosed PTSD may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to cope with their symptoms, potentially leading to substance use problems.
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