Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may manifest in individuals who experience, witness, or become informed of an incident that exposes them to the prospect of mortality, severe injury, sexual assault, or both.

Physicians are uncertain as to why some individuals develop PTSD. Similar to numerous mental health conditions, PTSD is likely induced by an intricate combination of:

• The magnitude and intensity of one's life's traumatization
• Stressful experiences Inherited mental health risks, including an anxiety and depression predisposition
• Personality traits that are inherited; often referred to as temperament

Risk factors include how the brain controls the production of substances and hormones by the body in response to stress.

One can develop post-traumatic stress disorder at any stage of life. Nonetheless, the following may increase your risk of developing PTSD following a traumatic event:

• Having endured severe or protracted trauma
• Having encountered prior traumatic experiences, such as maltreatment during infancy
• Being employed in a profession that elevates the likelihood of encountering traumatic incidents, such as that of first responders and military personnel
• Additional mental health conditions, including anxiety or depression
• Suffering from substance abuse issues, including excessive alcohol consumption or narcotic use
• Absence of a strong network of family and acquaintances for support
• Having family members who suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety or melancholy
• Varies of traumatic incidents

The occurrences that most frequently precipitate the onset of PTSD encompass:

• Encounter exposure in combat
• Child physical maltreatment
• Sexual assault
• A physical combust
• A menace posed by a weapon
• Unexpected disaster

PTSD can also be induced by a variety of other extreme or life-threatening incidents, including but not limited to fire, natural disasters, muggings, robberies, plane crashes, acts of torture, abductions, life-threatening medical diagnoses, and terrorist attacks.

In some cases, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder may not manifest for years following the traumatic event, although they may manifest within a month of the traumatic incident. Significant difficulties are caused by these symptoms in professional and social settings, as well as in interpersonal relationships. Additionally, they may hinder your capacity to perform routine activities of daily living.

PTSD symptoms are commonly classified into four categories: avoidance, intrusive memories, negative mood and thought changes, and alterations in physical and emotional responses. Differences in symptoms may occur gradually or among individuals.

Intrusive memories

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include

• Recurrent, distressing memories of the traumatic event that are undesirable
• Flashbacks involve the traumatic event being relived as if it were occurring again.
• Disturbing nightmares or hallucinations associated with the traumatic event
• Physical manifestations or intense emotional distress in response to stimuli that evoke memories of the traumatic incident

Avoidance

Possible symptoms of avoidance encompass:

• Engaging in cognitive or verbal avoidance of the traumatic incident
• Avoiding individuals, locations, and activities that evoke memories of the traumatic event

Negative changes in thinking and mood

Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:

• Despairful thoughts regarding oneself, others, or the world Pessimism regarding future memory difficulties, such as forgetting crucial details of the traumatic event
• Challenges in sustaining intimate relationships
• A sense of detachment from acquaintances and family
• Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities Difficulty generating positive emotions
• A state of emotional numbness

Changes in physical and emotional reactions

Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:

• Being readily terrified or alarmed
• Constantly be on the lookout for peril
• Self-destructive conduct, including excessive alcohol or speeding while driving
• Sleep disturbances Difficulties Concentrating
• Irritation, outbursts of anger, or aggressive conduct
• Overwhelming humiliation or remorse

For children 6 years old and younger, signs and symptoms may also include:

• Re-enacting the traumatic event or aspects of the traumatic event through play
• Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event

The severity of symptoms

The severity of PTSD symptoms may fluctuate over time. You may experience an exacerbation of PTSD symptoms when confronted with reminders of what you endured or when under general stress. By hearing an automobile exhaust, for instance, one may relive combat experiences. Conversely, upon encountering a news report detailing a sexual assault, one might be overcome with recollections of the assault.

Many survivors of traumatic events initially exhibit symptoms similar to those of PTSD, such as an involuntary recollection of the incident. Depression, anxiety, fear, and remorse are all frequent responses to traumatic experiences. The majority of trauma survivors, however, do not progress to developing chronic post-traumatic stress disorder.

Obtaining assistance and support in an opportune manner may avert the progression of typical stress reactions into PTSD. This may entail seeking solace and support from family and acquaintances who are willing to listen. It might entail consulting a mental health practitioner for a supervised period of psychotherapy. Additionally, some individuals may find solace in strengthening their faith community.

Additionally, the support of others may prevent you from resorting to detrimental coping mechanisms, such as alcohol or substance abuse.

If you have disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event for more than a month, if they're severe, or if you feel you're having trouble getting your life back under control, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Getting treatment as soon as possible can help prevent PTSD symptoms from getting worse.

Treatment for PTSD can help you regain a sense of control over your life. The main treatment is psychotherapy, but it can also include medication and hardware treatment with neuromodulation techniques, such as transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or NEUROFEEDBACK.