Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What is it?
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an
emotional condition that often occurs after direct
or indirect exposure to a terrifying event in
which physical harm was threatened, witnessed, or
actually experienced. Traumatic events that can
cause PTSD include violent assaults such as rape,
physical or sexual abuse, school or neighborhood
shootings, natural or manmade disasters, or car
accidents.
Who gets it?
PTSD can happen at any age. Research has not
shown that specific groups of people are more
vulnerable to PTSD, but those in certain age
groups are more susceptible to external forces,
such as children under 10 and teenagers up to age
21.
What causes it?
Any traumatic event, such as an accident, rape,
fire, senseless act of violence, or
life-threatening illness can cause this disorder,
as can witnessing another person go through such
an event. Those who have been abused as children
or who have had other previous traumatic
experiences are more likely to develop the
condition.
PTSD can occur as a sudden, acute response, or
it can develop gradually and become chronic or
persistent. Studies indicate that people who live
with PTSD tend to have abnormal levels of key
hormones involved in the stress response,
according to the NIMH. For example, research has
shown that their cortisol levels are lower than
normal and their epinephrine and norepinephrine
are higher than normal - all of which play an
important role in the body's fight-or-flight
reaction to sudden stress. The body of a person
with chronic PTSD may show such adaptations to the
stress over time - a phenomenon that researchers
call "physiologic habituation."
Currently, research is being conducted to further
investigate the causes and consequences of
posttraumatic stress disorder.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of PTSD usually develop within the
first 3 months after the trauma, but they may not
surface until months or even years have passed.
These symptoms often continue for years following
the trauma, or in some cases, may subside and
return later in life if another event triggers
memories of the trauma. In fact, anniversaries of
the event can often cause a flood of emotions and
unpleasant memories.
Sometimes, the symptoms of PTSD are easy to
identify; they often resemble the symptoms of depression.
However PTSD is not the same as depression.
Posttraumatic stress disorder is characterized by
sleeplessness; nightmares; apathy; inability to
get along with others, particularly in close
relationships; paranoia and distrust; and an
unwillingness to discuss or revisit in any
way the site of the trauma.
Other signs and symptoms of PTSD include:
- persistent, intense fear and anxiety
- feeling easily irritated or agitated
- having difficulty concentrating
- feeling numb or detached
- no longer finding pleasure in previously
enjoyable activities
- feeling helpless or "out of
control"
- experiencing intense survivor guilt
- being preoccupied with the traumatic event
- physical symptoms such as headache,
gastrointestinal distress, or dizziness
- suicidal thoughts, plans, or gestures
How is it diagnosed?
People with PTSD often do not seek professional
help because they don't recognize the link between
their symptoms and the traumatic event they
experienced. They also may avoid discussing the
problem because dealing with anything related to
the event makes them feel anxious or helpless.
Your child's teacher, doctor, or any other
caregiver who routinely sees your child can play
an important role in recognizing and treating PTSD.
Other mental health professionals who can help
your child include:
- psychologists
- psychiatrists
- licensed clinical social workers
- licensed professional counselors
- licensed trauma professionals
If your child needs therapy, try not to feel
alarmed or discouraged. Therapy can be extremely
supportive and helpful, particularly if the trauma
was unusually severe or life-threatening.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often helpful for
trauma survivors. This type of therapy helps your
child to adopt new thoughts (cognitions) and
behaviors in place of destructive or negative ones
while safely revisiting aspects of the trauma.
What is the treatment?
A therapist or mental health professional might
recommend medications for your child or teenager.
These medications can help alleviate serious
symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can help
your child cope with school and other daily living
activities while treatment for PTSD continues.
Explain to your child that medication is often
used as a temporary measure to help until she
feels better on her own.
Finally, group therapy or support groups can be
beneficial because they help your child understand
that she is not alone. Groups also provide a safe
atmosphere in which to share feelings. Ask your
child's therapist for specific referrals or
suggestions for a group that is suited to her
needs.
Self-care tips
Family and friends play a key role in helping
your child recover from PTSD. Although it's
usually necessary to seek immediate help from a qualified
therapist, consider these tips in providing
support for your child:
Let your child talk about the traumatic event
when and if she feels ready. It's important not
to force the issue if your child does not feel
like sharing her thoughts.
Reassure your child that her feelings are
normal and that she is not "going
crazy." The support and understanding that
you provide can help her accept her most
frightening emotions.
Encourage your child to get involved in a
support group for trauma survivors. Check your
local hospital or mental health association to
locate a group close to you.
If you suspect that your child is suicidal,
get professional help immediately. Thoughts of
suicide are serious at any age and require prompt
and effective intervention.
Let your child make simple decisions whenever
appropriate. Because PTSD often makes a child
feel powerless, you can help her by showing her
that she has control over certain aspects of her
life. Depending upon her age, you might consider
letting your child decide things like what is for
dinner or how to spend the day.
Tell your child that the traumatic event is
not her fault. Encourage her to talk about her
feelings of guilt, but don't let her blame
herself for what happened.
Stay in touch with your child's caregivers.
It's important to talk to teachers, babysitters,
and other people who care for her.
Do not criticize regressive behavior. If your
child wants to sleep with the lights on or take a
favorite stuffed animal to bed, it's perfectly
normal and can help your child to soothe herself.
Take care of yourself so that you are well
equipped to help your child. You can't be
supportive if you're neglecting your own
emotional or physical health.
Although dealing with PTSD can be very
challenging, appropriate treatment and support is
available to you and your loved ones.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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