Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD – what is it? It is a mental disorder that develops as a result of experiencing traumatic events. This can be an experience involving a threat to life, severe physical injury, violence, natural disasters, or other extreme situations. The name of this disorder reflects the mechanism of its formation – “post-traumatic” refers to the stress that remains in the head after experiencing trauma, leaving traces on the psyche and hindering daily functioning.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in children
PTSD is especially commonly diagnosed in soldiers and war veterans, victims of road accidents, people who have experienced physical or psychological violence, as well as those who have witnessed violent events. PTSD can also occur in children.
PTSD SYMPTOMS
In the case of PTSD, the symptoms are evident in daily functioning and make life difficult for the person affected. Typical symptoms include the so-called flashbacks, i.e. the rapid return of memories of a traumatic event that a person relives in their head. People suffering from this disorder often avoid places, people or situations that may remind them of the trauma.
Physical symptoms of post-traumatic stress
Another common symptom is excessive alertness and a constant sense of danger, which can cause difficulty sleeping, excessive irritability or unexpected outbursts of anger. Nightmares related to a traumatic event are also very common.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in children
In children, the symptoms of PTSD may differ from those seen in adults. Children are often unable to express their emotions directly, so it is worth paying attention to worrying symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating at school, developmental regression (e.g. a return to bedwetting), problems in relationships with peers or unjustified fears.
TEST NA TSD
There are techniques for diagnosing PTSD – a test, carried out by a qualified specialist to the basics. It is worth starting to seek help immediately after noticing the symptoms – the sooner you start working on the disorder, the faster you can recover.
HOW LONG CAN PTSD LAST?
How long does post-traumatic stress disorder last –? The answer to this question can be very different and depends on many factors. For some people, symptoms may subside after a few months of intensive therapy, especially if the trauma has been recognized quickly and appropriate action has been taken. In other cases, PTSD can become chronic, lasting for years or even a lifetime if not properly diagnosed and treated.
UNTREATED POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Untreated post-traumatic stress disorder can lead to serious consequences – both for the mental and physical health of the patient. People who do not receive adequate therapeutic help may experience increasing difficulties in everyday functioning. PTSD can lead to chronic stress, which negatively affects the nervous system, as well as weakens the body’s immunity, causing numerous somatic ailments – for example, chronic headaches, digestive problems or sleep disorders.
People with PTSD are more likely to develop other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. There are also often problems with controlling emotions, which can lead to outbursts of anger and aggression, as well as social isolation. Untreated PTSD can also lead to addiction – sufferers try to alleviate their symptoms with alcohol or psychoactive substances, which can turn into an addiction over time and further complicate treatment.
In extreme cases, untreated PTSD can lead to suicidal thoughts, which is why it is so important to diagnose and treat yourself early.
HOW TO HELP A PERSON WITH PTSD?
How to help a person suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder? Treatment is possible – the best option is psychotherapy, conducted by a qualified specialist. However, emotional support from loved ones is equally important – offering a safe space to talk and avoiding pressure. This will help the person with PTSD feel safe. It is important not to force her to talk about the trauma if she is not ready for it, as well as to respect her boundaries.