What you need to know about post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is often portrayed in movies: the hero, who survived a war or a car crash, rushes out of bed in the middle of the night because of a nightmare dream. In real life, even someone who has not participated in hostilities or been a victim of sexual violence can encounter PTSD, and the symptoms of the disorder can be very different. We have gathered important facts about PTSD that can help you recognize the disorder, protect yourself from it or see a specialist in time. It can appear at any age

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe mental condition caused by living through or witnessing a traumatic event. It can appear both directly after the event, and after some time, even years later. A person does not necessarily experience PTSD after a traumatic event – many people experience severe stress without such serious consequences. Many factors influence the onset of PTSD: the severity of the trauma, the context in which the trauma occurred, and psychological and genetic predisposition.

Genetic predisposition to PTSD is still poorly understood, but there is some evidence that PTSD in women can increase the likelihood of its occurrence in children.

PTSD has been associated with participation in hostilities, sexual violence, or experiencing life-threatening situations. It is true that such incidents most often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. The first researchers of this disorder described people who were tormented by recurrent dreams about battles after participating in battles. Scientists later noticed the same symptoms in those who survived or witnessed natural or man-made disasters and sexual violence.

Nevertheless, PTSD can also occur as a result of less dramatic incidents. Each of us has a different psyche, so a divorce, the death of a loved one, or other morally difficult events can be traumatic for some.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can seriously ruin a person’s life

PTSD is diagnosed when a patient has had a traumatic experience in their life, followed by symptoms that last longer than a month and affect their normal life. These include recurrent nightmares, increased anxiety, unexplained aggression, panic attacks, a desire to avoid places or situations that are triggers, partial memory loss of the traumatic event itself, and other signs. 

PTSD symptoms seriously interfere with life: the person has disturbed sleep, he begins to avoid communication with people or, on the contrary, cannot be alone. Even familiar actions can cause an attack of anger or fear, which affects communication with others. The person with PTSD may have difficulty focusing on daily tasks. People with PTSD are more likely to abuse substances and are prone to suicide.

PTSD is often accompanied by other psychiatric disorders. Most often it is depression, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and addictions, which arise as a result of the patient’s attempt to stifle post-traumatic symptoms. Because of this, it is sometimes difficult to make a diagnosis of PTSD, especially since it is not uncommon for people to be silent about the trauma or have no memory of it. G

PTSD is treatable

PTSD is treated by psychotherapists, and it is best to look for a professional who specializes in this disorder. So, it is a special disorder, and it is not enough just to leave the stressful situation and do something to overcome stress, such as enjoying the BetAmo casino. No, special therapy is needed, and it includes different techniques, such as talking, in which the patient learns to recognize symptoms, identify triggers, and manage them. Sometimes medication is also used with medications that are prescribed for depression and anxiety. More often than not, these two methods go together.