Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is an anxiety disorder following a traumatic event that involves the threat of injury or death and causes intense fear, hopelessness or horror. Symptoms of PTSD sometimes appear immediately, but, in some cases, it can take up to six months to emerge. Symptoms may come and go, and they are most prevalent during periods of high stress or anxiety. Getting immediate treatment can prevent long-term damage.
Reliving the Traumatic Event
Most PTSD sufferers experience, recall or relive the traumatic event that caused their PTSD. Having flashbacks of the traumatic event are common. For some, the flashbacks are vivid, as if watching a movie while others may see brief glimpses of events. Some people regularly have intrusive thoughts or distressing memories of the traumatic event. These thoughts can occur at any time, regardless of mood or mental state, and the person often has difficulty controlling them. Many people dream about the traumatic event and wake up with an intense sensation of terror. Some PTSD suffers experience physical reactions to triggers or things that are reminiscent of the event. For example, if a woman is attacked by a criminal, she may remember the cologne he wore or how he smelled. If she smells that scent, she may become overwhelmed with fear or anxiety as a reminder of the attack she endured.
Avoidance
PTSD sufferers might attempt to conceal memories of the traumatic event by avoiding the memories or any type of reaction to triggers or the traumatic event. Many people try to numb themselves emotionally, meaning that they attempt to turn off any emotion related to the traumatic event in order to feel nothing. This numbing often leads to emotional detachment and social isolation from friends and family to avoid being asked or having to answer any questions related to their traumatic event. As a result of emotional numbing, some people begin to lose their emotional vocabulary and have difficulty explaining their emotions or how they feel. In extreme cases of avoidance or emotional numbing, a PTSD sufferer will suppress all memories of the traumatic even to the point of developing short-term amnesia. A depressed mood or depressed feelings can develop, creating a lack of interest in normal activities and feelings of hopelessness about the future.
Arousal Symptoms
Arousal symptoms are emotional responses that occur after the traumatic event. It may be difficult to concentrate on specific tasks or in various settings overall (e.g., work or school). On the other hand, some people become hypervigilant about completing tasks or projects in order to distract themselves from memories of their traumatic event or emotions they may feel as a result. Some people appear to be on edge and become overly excited after being startled. Increased irritability and outbursts of anger are often emotions that sufferers use to avoid dealing with other emotions. Prolonged anxiety or irritability can also cause sleeping difficulties.
Anxiety, Stress and Tension
A general sense of anxiety occurs for most people who experience PTSD. This anxiety sometimes manifests as physical symptoms. Physical PTSD symptoms include dizziness, fainting, increased heartbeat, fever, headaches and pale or clammy skin. For many, they may experience emotional symptoms as well. Guilt or shame, particularly if a fatality occurs, are common emotions for PTSD sufferers. In extreme cases, continued emotional volatility around the traumatic event can cause hallucinations or delusions. To avoid dealing with symptoms of stress or anxiety, some people engage in self-destructive behaviors (e.g., drinking excessively, using drugs or engaging in promiscuous sexual activities).
