Understanding PTSD: Causes, Symptoms, and Self-Assessment

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a violent assault, a natural disaster, a war, or a terrorist attack. PTSD can cause severe distress and interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.

In this article, you will learn about:

  • Events that commonly lead to the occurrence of PTSD
  • Four common symptoms of PTSD
  • Self-Assessment Questionnaire
  • How to support someone with PTSD
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Can children and adolescents develop PTSD?
    • How common is PTSD in the general population?
    • What are some risk factors and protective factors for PTSD?
  • References

Table of Contents

Events that commonly lead to the occurrence of PTSD:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, or a series of events, that involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Traumatic events can vary in type, frequency, intensity, and duration, and can affect people differently depending on their individual characteristics and coping resources. Some examples of events that commonly lead to the occurrence of PTSD are:

  • Learning about the sudden, unexpected death of an intimate friend or family member. This can cause intense feelings of grief, shock, anger, guilt, and fear, and may trigger intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks of the deceased person or the circumstances of their death.
  • Being injured in a severe car, plane, or boat accident. This can result in physical pain, disability, disfigurement, or loss of function, as well as psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, or phobia of driving or traveling. Survivors may also blame themselves or others for the accident, or feel helpless, hopeless, or isolated.
  • Experiencing physical or psychological harm due to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes. These events can cause widespread destruction, displacement, injury, or death, and may expose people to life-threatening situations, extreme hardship, or loss of loved ones or belongings. People may also feel overwhelmed, helpless, or hopeless, and may develop a sense of insecurity, distrust, or loss of control.
  • Being physically attacked, such as in cases of severe domestic violence or rape. This can cause severe physical and emotional injuries, such as bruises, cuts, broken bones, internal bleeding, sexually transmitted infections, or unwanted pregnancy, as well as psychological trauma, such as fear, anger, shame, guilt, or self-blame. Victims may also suffer from low self-esteem, social isolation, relationship problems, or difficulty trusting others.
  • Witnessing death or serious injury, such as in terrorist activities. This can cause intense emotional reactions, such as horror, shock, anger, sadness, or guilt, and may trigger intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks of the traumatic event or the victims. Witnesses may also develop a sense of vulnerability, helplessness, or hopelessness, and may avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma.
  • Learning that a child has a life-threatening illness or disability. This can cause profound distress, grief, anxiety, or depression for the parents and other family members, and may affect their ability to cope, communicate, or care for the child. Parents may also experience guilt, anger, resentment, or denial, and may have difficulty accepting or adjusting to the child’s condition.

These are some of the common events that can cause PTSD, but they are not the only ones. Any event that is perceived as extremely stressful, frightening, or threatening can potentially trigger PTSD in some people, depending on their individual vulnerability and resilience factors. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of PTSD, and to seek professional help if needed.

Four common symptoms of PTSD:

PTSD symptoms usually begin within a few weeks of a traumatic event, but they may not surface until months or even years later. The duration and severity of these symptoms vary from person to person. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), PTSD symptoms can be classified into four main categories: intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. These categories are briefly described below:

Category Description Examples
Intrusion These are symptoms that involve recurrent and unwanted memories, dreams, or flashbacks of the traumatic event. They cause intense emotional or physical distress and interfere with daily functioning. - Having nightmares or vivid images of the event
- Reliving the event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
- Feeling upset or panicky when reminded of the event
Avoidance These are symptoms that involve avoiding anything that reminds the person of the traumatic event. This may include thoughts, feelings, people, places, activities, or situations that trigger memories or emotions related to the trauma. - Avoiding talking or thinking about the event
- Avoiding people or places that are associated with the event
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities that used to be enjoyable
Negative alterations in cognition and mood These are symptoms that involve changes in the way the person thinks and feels about themselves, others, and the world. They may include negative beliefs, distorted memories, guilt, shame, anger, fear, sadness, or numbness. - Having difficulty remembering important aspects of the event
- Blaming oneself or others for the event or its consequences
- Feeling detached or estranged from others
- Feeling hopeless or pessimistic about the future
Alterations in arousal and reactivity These are symptoms that involve changes in the way the person reacts to their environment. They may include increased alertness, irritability, aggression, impulsivity, recklessness, or difficulty sleeping or concentrating. - Being easily startled or frightened by loud noises or sudden movements
- Having difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Being angry or aggressive towards others
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors

These symptoms can cause significant impairment in the person’s social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or suicidal ideation. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms after a traumatic event.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire

One of the ways to identify if you have PTSD is to take a self-assessment questionnaire. This is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis, but it can give you an indication of whether you need to seek help from a qualified mental health practitioner. The following questionnaire is based on the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), which is a validated and reliable tool for screening PTSD in primary care settings.

To complete the questionnaire, please answer “yes” or “no” to each of the following 10 questions, based on your experience in the past month. If you answer “yes” to five or more questions, you may have PTSD and you should consult a mental health professional as soon as possible.

Question Yes No
Do you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless sleep?
Do you feel down, depressed, or hopeless?
Do you get easily startled by loud noises or sudden movements?
Do you have trouble controlling your temper or get into arguments?
Do you avoid places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event?
Do you have mood swings or feel irritable?
Do you feel tense, nervous, or on edge?
Do you isolate yourself from others or lose interest in things you used to enjoy?
Do you have nightmares or flashbacks about the traumatic event?
Do you feel guilty, ashamed, or blame yourself or others for what happened?

If you are concerned about your mental health, please do not hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or support group. You can also find online resources and helplines for PTSD on the National Center for PTSD website or the World Health Organization website.

How to support someone with PTSD

Having PTSD can be very challenging and isolating for the affected person, as well as for their family and friends. If you know someone who has PTSD, you may wonder how you can best support them and help them cope. Here are some tips on how to be a supportive and compassionate ally for someone with PTSD:

  • Educate yourself about PTSD. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of PTSD, and how it affects the person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This will help you understand what they are going through and avoid making assumptions or judgments. You can find reliable information about PTSD from sources such as the National Center for PTSD, the World Health Organization, and the National Institute of Mental Health.
  • Listen and communicate. Let the person know that you are there for them and that you care about them. Listen to them without interrupting, judging, or giving advice, unless they ask for it. Respect their boundaries and preferences, and don’t pressure them to talk about the trauma if they are not ready. Use supportive and empathic statements, such as “I’m sorry that happened to you”, “That must have been very hard”, and “You are not alone”.
  • Encourage and support treatment. PTSD is a treatable condition, and there are effective therapies and medications that can help the person recover and improve their quality of life. However, many people with PTSD may be reluctant or afraid to seek professional help, due to stigma, shame, or distrust. You can help them by expressing your concern, offering to help them find a suitable therapist or doctor, and accompanying them to appointments if they wish. You can also remind them of the benefits of treatment and praise their efforts and progress.
  • Help them cope with triggers and symptoms. People with PTSD may experience distressing reactions to reminders of the trauma, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or anger. You can help them by identifying and avoiding potential triggers, or by helping them cope with them in a safe and calm way. You can also help them manage their symptoms by teaching them relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, or by engaging them in positive activities, such as hobbies, exercise, or socializing.
  • Take care of yourself. Supporting someone with PTSD can be emotionally and physically draining, and you may experience stress, frustration, or burnout. It is important to take care of your own well-being and seek support for yourself when you need it. You can do this by setting healthy boundaries, taking breaks, practicing self-care, and reaching out to your own friends, family, or professionals. Remember that you are not responsible for the person’s recovery, and that you can only help them if you are well yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children and adolescents develop PTSD?

Yes, children and adolescents can develop PTSD after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as abuse, violence, accidents, natural disasters, or war. However, the symptoms of PTSD may differ from those of adults, depending on the age and developmental stage of the child. For example, younger children may have more difficulty verbalizing their feelings, and may express their distress through play, drawings, or nightmares. Older children and adolescents may show more signs of anger, irritability, or withdrawal, and may engage in risky or rebellious behaviors.

How common is PTSD in the general population?

According to the World Health Organization, PTSD affects about 3.6% of the global population, with higher rates in regions affected by conflict, such as the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. In the United States, the lifetime prevalence of PTSD is estimated to be about 6.8%, with women being twice as likely as men to develop the disorder. Some factors that may increase the risk of developing PTSD include the type, severity, and duration of the trauma, the individual’s genetic and biological vulnerability, the lack of social support, and the presence of other mental or physical health problems.

What are some risk factors and protective factors for PTSD?

Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after a traumatic event. Some examples of risk factors are:

  • Being directly exposed to the trauma as a victim or a witness
  • Experiencing repeated or prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or combat
  • Having a history of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse
  • Having a family history of PTSD or other mental disorders
  • Having a low level of education or socioeconomic status
  • Having poor coping skills or low self-esteem
  • Having negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world
  • Having a lack of social support or interpersonal resources

Protective factors are characteristics or conditions that decrease the likelihood of developing PTSD after a traumatic event, or that promote recovery from PTSD. Some examples of protective factors are:

  • Seeking professional help or counseling after the trauma
  • Having a strong support network of family, friends, or community
  • Having a high level of education or socioeconomic status
  • Having positive coping skills or resilience
  • Having positive beliefs about oneself, others, or the world
  • Having a sense of meaning or purpose in life
  • Having a religious or spiritual orientation

References

  • Children and PTSD
  • PTSD in Children and Teens
  • Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
  • [The epidemiology of PTSD]
  • [Risk and protective factors for PTSD]
  • [Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Overview of Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment]

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