PTSD is defined as the root problem of the fear response, which results in the body's natural defense system "firing" at the limbic system (the part of the brain responsible for emotion). When your mind takes in a traumatic memory, the memory is interpreted by the limbic system as a dangerous situation that needs to be avoided. The result is that the body releases chemicals such as adrenaline into the bloodstream, which serves as a sort of "fight or flight" mechanism. This defense mechanism is perfectly normal and serves important functions, but is also like a "fire" hazard, causing you to think and act in ways that you would not ordinarily do. The danger part of the reaction is triggered by the memory of the traumatic event, usually something that happened at a later time.
PTSD can be caused by any event or set of events, though the most common sources are war, sexual assault, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, interpersonal violence, or natural calamities such as earthquakes and floods. Often people will find that their symptoms worsen after they return home from serving abroad, sometimes lasting months or even years. They may also have difficulties functioning in social settings, lose their sense of self-worth, and develop poor communication skills.
Many factors are suspected of contributing to PTSD, including genetics, trauma, abuse, neglect, or early experiences of mistreatment. People who work in police departments and the military are more likely than the average person to develop PTSD. But it can also occur with individuals who never served in the armed forces. Other risk factors include living in poverty, living in a rural area, living in a poor health care setting, coming from a racial or ethnic background that's prone to higher rates of stress and anxiety, living in an older age group, and being female. Men are more likely than women to develop PTSD, especially those who were in the armed forces.
PTSD can affect both children and adults, although the disorder is more common in later life. Children experience the symptoms of PTSD much more frequently than adults, which may be due to the difficulty in diagnosing the disorder in younger patients, or to the lack of research on post-traumatic stress disorder in younger generations. In adults post-traumatic stress disorder is most common in those who have experienced a violent life event such as the loss of a loved one, the rape or murder of a loved one, or the theft of property. Post traumatic stress often leads to depression in those who have suffered a major trauma in their life, and some of these patients become physically ill as a result of their disorder.
When PTSD is suspected the patient will be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist for diagnosis and treatment. Common treatment options for PTSD include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and anti-anxiety medications. However, there are cases where these methods of treatment can be ineffective.
Psychotherapy is a good option if the patient is experiencing physical symptoms from their disorder. This type of treatment can be very effective if it is conducted by trained professionals who know how to treat the symptoms. During sessions patients will be encouraged to express their feelings and fears, and to find out what they did about preventing the incident from happening again. They will also be given tools to use if the incident causes them to feel fear or anger. These sessions can take several months and can be very effective in treating PTSD.
Anti-anxiety medication can be very effective in treating the symptoms of PTSD. If PTSD is caused by anxiety it can lead to nightmares, flashbacks, hot flashes, feelings of panic and unease, irritability, and feelings of dread or loss of control. Medication will often help to control these symptoms and patients should be encouraged to stick with the drug of choice for the entire course of the regimen. There are other forms of therapy available for those who suffer from PTSD and the proper medical professional should be consulted for these therapies as well.