Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a diagnosis given after an individual has negatively responded to a traumatic experience. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) defines trauma as the experience or witnessing of an event that involves actual or threatened death or injury. The person must have responded out of fear, helplessness or horror, according to the DSM-IV-TR. Examples of traumatic events are abuse, assault, military combat and natural disasters, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Re-experiencing
Re-experiencing traumas can come in many different forms. Re-experiencing the traumatic event may a result from the person's thinking about the event or a response to a trigger, according to NIMH. Re-experiencing the trauma may involve continually thinking or having nightmares about it. Their feelings and thoughts are often frightening. They may experience flashbacks, or become psychologically aroused when something reminds them of the event, demonstrating sweating, increased heartbeat or shortness of breath, according to the DSM-IV-TR.
Avoidance
Individuals who have experienced traumas usually avoid things that remind them of the event. For example, if the trauma happened at a certain place, they will avoid that place, according to NIMH. They also try to avoid thinking, feeling or talking about the event. This may cause an individual to become emotionally numb, guilty, depressed or worrisome. They may block out certain parts of the trauma, resulting in the inability to remember important aspects of it, according to the DSM-IV-TR. Traumatized individuals feel detached from others or feel that their future is somehow shortened.
Increased Arousal
Traumatized individuals tend to have an increased amount of arousal that was not present before the trauma, according to the DSM-IV-TR. This includes hypervigilence, irritability, outbursts of anger and/or exaggerated startled response. Traumatized individuals often feel "on edge." The NIMH says these arousal symptoms are usually constant, not just when the event is triggered in their mind. These symptoms also make it difficult to engage in routine activities, such as concentrating, eating or sleeping.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
- National Institute of Mental Health: PTSD.
