PTSD
It is normal to be scared in a traumatic situation or afterward. It activates within seconds an acute stress response phenomenon within the body to defend it and avert disaster. The acute stress response (fight-or-flight) is a common phenomenon designed to protect a person from hurt. Everyone reacts differently but most recover in good time. Individuals that remain scared or stressed up even in the absence of a frightening situation may be diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a disorder that develops in some individuals as a result of a scary or life- threatening experience.
It is not every individual diagnosed with PTSD that has been in a frightening situation. The sudden loss of a loved one can also trigger PTSD. Symptoms start within months of such experience or years later in some cases. It may become chronic if not diagnosed early by a psychologist, psychiatrist or a trained physician. Related disorders include depression, substance abuse, and suicidal tendencies.
The diagnosis of PTSD requires an individual to have of reactivity and arousal symptoms, mood and cognition symptoms, avoidance and re-experiencing symptom for at least a month.
Re-experiencing symptoms include: flashbacks, sweating, heart palpitations, paranoia, and insomnia. The physical symptoms, often an offshoot of the individual’s thoughts processes can be triggered by words or scenarios that are reminders of the scary event if any. Re-experiencing symptoms may cause difficulties in regular routines.
Activities that remind an individual of a traumatic event can activate avoidance symptoms such as steering clear of places or situations that might trigger the traumatic experience. Arousal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, fear and outbursts of anger can disrupt daily activities and make it difficult to focus.
Disposition and Cognition symptoms include trouble remembering important facts are related to the traumatic event, loss of interest in exciting activities, negative perception about oneself and the world and feelings of guilt or distorted appropriation of blame.
When these symptoms occur after a frightening event, it is known as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). In a situation where medical illness and substance abuse has been ruled out yet the symptoms become chronic and impair one’s ability to live a normal life, it can be diagnosed as PTSD. Some individuals with PTSD do not show any of the symptoms initially.
PTSD can happen at any age to anyone. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7 of every 100 persons will experience PTSD at a point in their lives. Many variables determine whether a person is likely develop PTSD. Women, for instance, are more susceptible than men and such as genetic and resilience factors might increase or reduce the predisposition to PTSD.
PTSD can be treated with drugs and psychotherapy. The peculiarity of each individual’s response to PTSD requires that one consults a trained mental health provider. We have a team of psychiatrists and psychologists that can expertly diagnose and help individuals with PTSD and other mental disorders.
Re-experiencing symptoms include: flashbacks, sweating, heart palpitations, paranoia, and insomnia. The physical symptoms, often an offshoot of the individual’s thoughts processes can be triggered by words or scenarios that are reminders of the scary event if any. Re-experiencing symptoms may cause difficulties in regular routines.
Activities that remind an individual of a traumatic event can activate avoidance symptoms such as steering clear of places or situations that might trigger the traumatic experience. Arousal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, fear and outbursts of anger can disrupt daily activities and make it difficult to focus.
Disposition and Cognition symptoms include trouble remembering important facts are related to the traumatic event, loss of interest in exciting activities, negative perception about oneself and the world and feelings of guilt or distorted appropriation of blame.
When these symptoms occur after a frightening event, it is known as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). In a situation where medical illness and substance abuse has been ruled out yet the symptoms become chronic and impair one’s ability to live a normal life, it can be diagnosed as PTSD. Some individuals with PTSD do not show any of the symptoms initially.
PTSD can happen at any age to anyone. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7 of every 100 persons will experience PTSD at a point in their lives. Many variables determine whether a person is likely develop PTSD. Women, for instance, are more susceptible than men and such as genetic and resilience factors might increase or reduce the predisposition to PTSD.
PTSD can be treated with drugs and psychotherapy. The peculiarity of each individual’s response to PTSD requires that one consults a trained mental health provider. We have a team of psychiatrists and psychologists that can expertly diagnose and help individuals with PTSD and other mental disorders.
At Psychiatrists of Los Angeles, we are here for you, and you want to feel better. Please give us a call and we can help:
Call us at: 323-609-4601
Call us at: 323-609-4601
