Clearing Misconceptions About PTSD And Its Treatment
Nearly 9 million people in the United States are affected by PTSD, or approximately 4% of the population. Nearly half of those diagnosed with PTSD present with severe symptoms, and women feature strongly in the overall number. Research shows that women are more prone to experiencing PTSD than women. PTSD is a highly personal condition, with symptoms presenting across a broad spectrum.
- Reliving Events – A common symptom of PTSD is reliving the initial traumatic event. Intrusive thoughts, trauma, and bad dreams are all frequently experienced.
- Avoidance – It is common for those suffering from PTSD to avoid locations or objects that provoke these memories.
- Mood and Cognitive Symptoms – In some cases PTSD will result in being unable to clearly recall the event. Negative self-talk, guilt, emotional numbness, depression, or worry can also be present. Feelings that the sufferer or the world is not real are also common.
- Hypervigilance – Trauma can make us extremely aware of our environment and the behaviors of others. This can lead to responses to stimuli that are disproportionate or even violent in some cases.
PTSD is associated in the public mind with military service, especially for those who have seen active combat. However, military personnel is now understood to represent only a fraction of all those affected. Anyone who has experienced significant trauma may be affected by this condition. Despite this, only a small percentage of those who do will develop PTSD. Those who develop the condition often lack social support, and have a history of prior trauma.
In most patients who develop PTSD the symptoms will become evident within three months of the triggering event. In other patients years can pass before these symptoms manifest. When symptoms matching those associated with ADHD persist for more than a month, PTSD can become an official diagnosis. No cure for PTSD is presently known, but treatment has been shown to be effective in most cases. The most common forms of treatment include:
- Psychotherapy – Individual and group therapy are both options
- Medication
- Self-Management – Patients can be taught strategies to manage symptoms at home
- Service Animals – Specially trained animals have been very effective for some patients
Reach Out To Prestige Mental Health For PTSD Treatment
PTSD can have lasting effects on those suffering from this condition, as well as their friends and family. With the help of April Sullivan, NP, our team in Las Vegas, NV can help you take control of your symptoms.
