Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Jon is a 32-year-old construction worker, who recently returned from six years of service in the Middle East. Throughout those years, he only came home on leave three times.  While in combat, he was exposed to some very traumatic events such as picking up body parts of his friends who died, surviving a bomb attack on his platoon, and making raids on populated areas.  He thought he was okay when his service ended, despite the fact, that he did have some nightmares.

PTSD Image by FreePik

Since returning home, his wife Amy has noticed a significant change in his behavior. At night he starts to violently shake and scream very loudly, he gets up and starts throwing books and other things around as if he’s defending himself. When his wife asked him what was going on, he said he felt as if he was back in the service fighting terrorists. Amy became very concerned when he started screaming at his three-month-old baby.  Something had to be done.

They decided to visit a psychiatrist who diagnosed Jon with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD. It is likely to be seen in those who have experienced life-threatening situations including, rape, a terrorist attack, growing up in a war-torn area, or witnessing a threat to a loved one’s life.

There are four categories of symptoms associated with PTSD.  The first is recurrent, intrusive involuntary memories such as flashbacks or distressing dreams.  The second category is persistent avoidance of situations that remind the individual of the traumatic event such as avoiding friends from the service or large crowds.  The third category is negative changes in cognition or mood such as persistent fear, shame or guilt, or markedly diminished interest in significant activities.  The final category is marked alteration in arousal such as hypervigilance, irritable behavior, and angry outbursts.  The symptoms can be so disturbing or shameful that the individual feels as if he or she is back in that traumatic situation. The intensity of this emotional experience can often lead to repressing strong feelings and avoiding seeking treatment, which can further isolate the person suffering with PTSD.

While there is no specific medication for PTSD, the most effective treatment is Cognitive Processing Therapy.  CPT involves re-experiencing the event imaginally and dealing with the emotions it evokes with the help of a professional.   If you or your loved one is showing signs of PTSD it is important to contact a psychologist or a psychiatrist right away.  Starting treatment can seem scary at first, but dealing with the symptoms of PTSD as soon as possible is the right thing to do.

Please call me if you or someone you love has PTSD and would like more help.