PTSD: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
What to know about this topic
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common mental disorders of people living in conditions of war and constant stress. This is a type of neurosis that occurs as a result of a person experiencing one or more stressful events. The condition is associated with the repetition of intrusive memories of a difficult event or experienced negative emotion.
How does PTSD manifest?
A person with signs of potential PTSD often relives the traumatic event through negatively colored memories (worry, sadness, despondency, grief, etc.), nightmares, feelings of alienation, irritability or guilt. Manifestations of PTSD begin at least four weeks after the traumatic event.
Main symptoms of PTSD
Consult your doctor immediately if you notice the following symptoms in yourself or a loved one:
- apathy, unwillingness to live;
- feeling of tension and anxiety;
- excessive excitability and reactivity in actions;
- excessive reaction to loud sounds, sudden actions;
- detachment and antisocial behavior;
- appearance of phobias;
- obsessive memories from the past;
- memory disorders and sleep disorders;
- general exhaustion of the body, weight loss.
Diagnosis of PTSD
The diagnosis of PTSD is established by psychiatrists and psychotherapists during personal communication with the patient. Doctors are often able to identify signs of PTSD using special questionnaires.
Treatment of PTSD
The final treatment plan for PTSD is prescribed by the doctor, taking into account concomitant disorders or diseases. Effective treatment includes psychotherapy, medication therapy, or a combination of these methods.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing the way you think and behave, which can help manage symptoms.
Exposure therapy: Helps you face traumatic memories in a controlled environment.
Medications: Antidepressants and other medications can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Group support: connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide additional support.
Living with PTSD
Although PTSD can have a significant impact on quality of life, many people recover with proper treatment and support. It is important to seek professional help when symptoms become an obstacle in daily life. Additionally, support from family and friends plays a critical role in the recovery process.
Expert Opinion
“Before starting treatment, it is important to carefully identify all symptoms to determine the severity of the disorder. It is worth knowing that PTSD can be treated not only immediately after a traumatic event, but also many years after it. Therefore, it’s never too late to seek help from doctors,” -Christina Zhivago, Candidate of Medical Sciences, psychiatrist of the highest category, child psychiatrist.