Contents
What is PTSD?
The term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS) is a mental disorder which is used to name a range of symptoms that may develop in response to experiencing a traumatic event, which is outside of your normal human experience. It is often a delayed response.Recovery Time
Some people recover within 6 months, while others have symptoms that last much longer. In some people, the condition becomes chronic.Diagnosis
Post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed based on signs and symptoms and a thorough psychological evaluation. Physical examination may be done to check for medical problems.FAQs prepared by doctor
1. What is PTSD?The term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS) is a mental disorder which is used to name a range of symptoms that may develop in response to experiencing a traumatic event, which is outside of your normal human experience. It is often a delayed response.
2. What are its symptoms?
PTSD is defined as persistent (>1 month) symptoms occurring after a life-threatening traumatic event in which there was an immediate response of fear, helplessness, or horror. Person gets symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts and memories connected with the traumatic event;
hyperarousal symptoms in which the person is physiologically revved up, hyperalert, startles easily, and experiences sleep disturbance, anger, and/or concentration problems; and
avoidance symptoms where the person loses interest in things that previously brought enjoyment, and avoids places, situations, or other stimuli that serve as reminders of the traumatic event (for example a crowded mall that triggers heightened alertness to threat).
The symptoms are associated with significant distress or impairment in social or occupational functioning.
Symptoms in children
- Bedwetting
- Forgetting how or being unable to talk
- Acting out the scary event during playtime
- Being unusually clingy with a parent or other adult
3. What to do when one is suffering from PTSD?
One shall lead life as normal as possible. Get back to usual routine, talk about what happened to someone you trust and try some relaxation exercises. Get back to work. Eat and exercise regularly.
Go back to where the traumatic event happened. Take time to be with family and friends. Be careful when driving your concentration may be poor. Speak to a doctor and expect to get better.
4. When shall one consult a doctor?
Consult a doctor if one has vivid memories, flashbacks or nightmares, feel emotionally numb at times, stay irritable, feel out of control of your mood or eat more than usual, or use more drink or drugs than usual or find it more difficult to get on with other people or feel depressed or exhausted.
If there are suicidal thoughts arising consult psychiatrist immediately.