Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety-based disorder that affects some people after witnessing or directly experiencing a dangerous or traumatic event. PTSD develops as a result of severe fear being triggered due to the defined event. It serves as a tool to defend the body from the harm that has occurred due to the event. PTSD is an extreme response rather than a healthy reaction to a dangerous situation. There are three groups of common symptoms associated with PTSD.
Intrusive
Intrusive symptoms are also referred to as re-experiencing symptoms. They're associated with being reminded of the traumatic event through sensory, thought or emotional means. These reminders can cause a delay in daily routine. In severe cases, they can impair a person from trying to engage in normal daily activity. Flashbacks are intrusive symptoms. They come in the form of feeling as if the event is being relived over and over again. It's common when a person is experiencing flashbacks for the heart to race, and for physical symptoms such as sweating, confusion and headaches to occur due to reliving the moment. Nightmares or bad dreams, also a part of the intrusive symptoms, can occur frequently or sparsely. Thoughts that are frightening are also a part of this grouping of symptoms. They can come in the form of negative self -blame for the event or belief that the event will occur again if all variables of the person's life aren't contained.
Avoidance
Avoidance symptoms are due to the intrusive symptoms experienced from exposure to the trauma. A person might begin eliminating things, people or places that remind him of the event in order to prevent the negative emotions. Avoidance might include not attending activities once enjoyed, not talking about the event, not remembering the event, feeling hopeless about the future, keeping people at a distance in order to prevent close relationships, memory impairment, poor focus, excessive worry, depression and strong shame and guilt. A person experiencing avoidance symptoms ultimately changes her entire routine in order to prevent the thoughts and feelings associated with the trauma from interfering in her daily life. However, this can be extreme and can lead to becoming despondent about life ever returning to normal.
Arousal
Arousal symptoms occur as a result of the extreme anxiety experienced due to the traumatic event. Hyper-arousal is constant instead of triggered, causing a person to be in a continuous state of stress. This leads to anger and a quick temper. In a hyper-aroused state, it's common to have trouble sleeping, be easily startled, have hallucinations or see and hear things that others don't. It's also common in hyper-arousal for a person to become self destructive, irritable and struggle with shame. All groups of symptoms have potential to become extreme when PTSD is present. When the condition is severe, professional intervention is recommended in order to help the person who has survived a trauma regain balance and normalcy.
