Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is triggered after a patient experiences trauma, such as sexual assault or war. Unlike other anxiety disorders, PTSD can cause the patient to relive the event, which is considered a secondary symptom of the disorder. Mardi J. Horowitz, MD, author of the article "Mind and Brain in Post Traumatic Stress Disorders," states that these secondary symptoms of the trauma "are often superimposed on primary symptoms [such as startle reactions] and exacerbate the primary symptoms."
Emotional Problems
Arthur Schoenstadt, MD, author of the eMedTV article "PTSD Symptoms," notes that changes in the patient's emotions can occur as a secondary symptom of PTSD, especially if the patient tries to avoid talking about what happened. For example, the patient can experience depression, despair and hopelessness after the trauma. She may also feel guilty about the trauma or blame herself for its occurrence, even though it was not her fault, such as in sexual assault. The secondary emotional problems from PTSD can become worse if the patient detaches from others and goes into social isolation. The depression can also result in the patient losing interest in activities. She may also have a loss of beliefs, which can also worsen the emotional issues.
Aggression and Anger
Some PTSD patients may respond to the event with aggression, especially if they feel they could have done something to change the situation, such as preventing the death of a loved one. As a result, the patient may display aggressive behaviors toward himself or other people. He may also become more argumentative after the trauma.
Intrusive Memories
Horowitz states that a severe secondary symptom of PTSD is distressing recollections of the traumatic event, which deeply affects the patient and can cause her to relive the experience over and over. These intrusive memories can occur during the day as flashbacks, or while the patient is asleep as nightmares. The flashbacks and nightmares can be the source of the emotional and behavioral problems and can also result in health problems. For example, Schoenstadt states that a sexual assault victim may be hesitant to go to an OB-GYN after the assault because of the trauma she experienced in her genital region.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Schoenstadt notes that drug and alcohol abuse is another secondary symptom of PTSD, as a patient may turn to the substances to help him cope with the other symptoms of the anxiety disorder. While the patient may experience temporary relief, the alcohol and drugs end up worsening the symptoms and causing the patient more distress.
