Understanding PTSD: Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Recovery Options.

PTSD symptoms can be divided into four categories. They are:

INTRUSION:

• Repetitive and unwelcome memories of the traumatic event.
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares.

AVOIDANCE:

• Avoiding thinking or speaking about the traumatic event
• Avoiding places, people, and other reminders of the event
• Avoiding activities that were once enjoyable.

COGNITIVE AND MOOD CHANGES:

• Detachment
• Distorted thinking and belief systems
• Persistent low mood
• Unable to experience anything positive.

AROUSAL AND REACTIVITY CHANGES:

• Hypervigilance and startle responses
• Irritability and agitation
• Lack of focus
• Sleeplessness or insomnia.

While not exactly different types, there are other mental health conditions related to trauma that are closely related to PTSD:

NORMAL STRESS RESPONSE:

What can begin as a general stress response, as a general fight-or-flight reaction to a stressful event, can develop into PTSD.

If stress is intense, prolonged, and disrupts day-to-day functioning, then early intervention and care can prevent PTSD.

ACUTE STRESS DISORDER:

It typically develops between 3 days to 30 days after a traumatic event or witnessing one. Its symptoms are very similar to PTSD except that they exist for a shorter period of time. If symptoms last more than four months, then they can meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

UNCOMPLICATED PTSD:

The most common subtype of PTSD, it is characterized by re-experiencing traumatic events as recurring memories, flashbacks, and nightmares. Avoidance is also present.

COMPLEX PTSD:

Unlike uncomplicated PTSD, complex PTSD develops as a consequence of repeated or several traumas over a period of time. For instance, the experience of ongoing abuse can lead to complex PTSD. In the 11th version of the WHO´s International Classification of Diseases, complex PTSD has been recognized as a variant of PTSD.

DISSOCIATIVE PTSD:

This is when traumatic events lead to re-experiencing them over and over again, along with a level of dissociation as well, like detachment and depersonalization.

COMORBID PTSD:

When PTSD co-exists with other conditions like anxiety, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, etc, it is known as comorbid PTSD.

A diagnosis of PTSD is based on clinical interviews, family history, medical history, and the DSM-5-TR criteria of the following:

• At least one intrusive symptom
• At least one avoidance symptom
• At least two mood-related symptoms
• At least two other symptoms pertaining to hypervigilance, anger, sleep, and self-destructive behaviors.

These symptoms must at least last a month.

Please note that only a licensed mental health practitioner or physician can diagnose PTSD after a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.

PTSD is treated with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy (or medication).

Trauma-focused psychotherapies are considered first-line treatments for PTSD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure therapy (PE), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

The most commonly used therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - to identify and change the maladaptive patterns underlying PTSD and equip you with productive coping skills.

The other kinds of therapeutic modalities used are:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy: Specifically meant for PTSD, you confront your traumatic experiences and memories to change your perceptions and responses to them.
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy: You are exposed to a detailed and repeated recall of the traumatic event(s) in a safe and controlled setting. You confront your fears and learn healthy ways of coping with them.
• Trauma-Focused CBT: You become acutely aware of how your body responds to trauma - to identify the patterns and heal from them.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: It involves moving your eyes in a specific way to process and heal from trauma.

Medications prescribed in PTSD treatment are anti-anxiety (anxiolytics) and antidepressants. If required, these are integrated in combination with therapy for best efficacy. Medication decisions must always be made under psychiatric supervision.

Dr. Peterson says, “Treatment for PTSD is varied and effective. At NuView, we go one step further to personalize the care you receive to your needs and goals so that your healing journey is relevant to you. Clinical reviews and insight have shown that many experience meaningful symptom reduction and even remission over a period of time.”

If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, please do not hesitate to reach out to NuView. We personalize psychotherapy and medication plans to your needs and goals, strengthened by the sense of family and community, so that you can heal in a safe, non-judgmental environment toward a healthier, fulfilling future.

Please contact us at (323) 307-7997 to connect with our experts today!

Does PTSD go away on its own?

Some may experience a gradual reduction in symptoms, but PTSD typically requires structured care for meaningful improvement.

How can I recover from PTSD?

You can recover from PTSD by reaching out to licensed and trained mental health specialists who provide psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

What is the best treatment for PTSD?

Trauma-focused psychotherapy is widely recommended as a first-line treatment. Medication may also be prescribed depending on symptom severity, only in consultation with a board-certified physician or psychiatric practitioner.

How long does it take to recover from PTSD?

While we cannot put a time on this, some clinical reviews in reputed journals report that 40% recover from PTSD within a year.

How much does PTSD treatment cost?

PTSD treatment costs vary depending on the treatment center and the length of your treatment, but it is typically covered by your insurance policy.