Introduction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by exposure to a traumatic event. It is characterized by persistent and distressing memories of the event, making it difficult for individuals to move on. PTSD can last for months or even years, significantly affecting daily life.
Overview and Facts
People with PTSD are at higher risk of developing other mental health and physical conditions, including:
Substance abuse (drugs & alcohol)
Anxiety and depression (including suicidal thoughts and behaviors)
Cardiovascular diseases
Chronic pain
Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease)
According to IDRAAC studies, PTSD affects 3.4% of the Lebanese population. Among individuals subjected to sexual assault, 16.8% develop PTSD, while 98% of rape survivors experience PTSD.
Symptoms
PTSD symptoms fall into three main categories:
Intrusive Memories
Flashbacks (lasting from moments to months)
Disturbing dreams or nightmares related to the trauma
Avoidance
Avoiding thoughts, discussions, or reminders of the event
Anxiety & Emotional Distress
Persistent fear, guilt, or shame
Mood swings or difficulty managing emotions
It is normal to experience emotional distress after trauma, but if symptoms persist beyond one month or include thoughts of self-harm or harming others, professional help is strongly recommended.
Causes and Risk Factors
PTSD develops due to a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including:
Early childhood trauma
Severity of the traumatic event
Hormonal and chemical imbalances in response to stress
Certain factors increase the risk of PTSD, including:
Being a woman
Childhood abuse or neglect
Experiencing multiple traumatic events
Lack of a strong support system
Family history of depression or mental illness
Tests and Diagnosis
A mental health professional diagnoses PTSD using scientific criteria based on symptoms and medical history. The diagnosis typically involves:
Comprehensive mental health assessment
Lab tests (to rule out other medical conditions causing similar symptoms)
Treatment
PTSD is treatable with a combination of medication and psychotherapy:
Medications:
Antidepressants (to regulate mood and anxiety)
Anti-anxiety medications
Antipsychotics (in severe cases)
Psychotherapy:
Cognitive Therapy – Helps change negative thought patterns
Exposure Therapy – Gradual exposure to traumatic memories in a controlled setting
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A therapy designed to reprocess traumatic memories
Conclusion
PTSD can be debilitating, but early diagnosis and treatment can help individuals regain control of their lives. Seeking professional help is crucial for managing symptoms and improving well-being.
Sources and Links
www.idraac.org
www.webmd.com
www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.economist.com/news/international/21676772-mental-illness-caused-trauma-may-be-one-first-be-understood-physical?frsc=dg%7Cd