PTSD Facts and Treatment Options

People in a support group placing hands together

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It has been called many different names over the years, including “shell shock” and “combat fatigue” during World War I and II. However, PTSD can occur in anyone, not just combat veterans. In fact, women experience PTSD at two to three times the rate that men do. 

Are you concerned about PTSD affecting you or a loved one? Here is everything you need to know about this condition, why it affects some people and not others, the dangers of not seeking treatment and your options for recovery. 

What Causes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? 

PTSD can happen to anyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Everyone processes these events differently, so just because one person experiences distress does not mean that everyone will. Some of the most common types of events that can lead to PTSD include: 

  • Physical or sexual assault
  • Serious accidents 
  • Childhood or domestic abuse 
  • Serious health problems
  • War and conflict 
  • Natural disasters 
  • Death of someone close
  • Childbirth experiences, such as losing a baby  

Why Does PTSD Happen in Some People and Not Others? 

PTSD occurs in about one in three people who experience severe trauma. Researchers aren’t exactly sure why this condition only happens to some people and not others, but it appears that there are certain risk factors at play. 

For instance, if you’ve had depression or anxiety in the past, you may be more likely to develop PTSD after a stressful experience. If you lack a strong support system, you may also be at a higher risk for PTSD. Genetic factors could also be involved, such as having a parent with a mental health disorder. 

What are the Symptoms of PTSD? 

It’s normal to experience some distress after a traumatic event. However, in individuals with PTSD, these symptoms do not go away and begin to interfere with daily life. The symptoms of PTSD include: 

  • Intrusion. Intrusive thoughts of the event, such as flashbacks, distressing dreams or involuntary memories. They can feel incredibly real. 
  • Avoidance. Avoiding anything that has to do with the trauma, such as people, places, activities or objects. 
  • Changes in cognition and mood. Difficulty recalling certain aspects of the event. Feeling detached or estranged from others. Trouble experiencing positive emotions. 
  • Changes in arousal or reactivity. Symptoms of arousal or reactivity include being irritable, having angry outbursts or behaving self-destructively. 

What Can Happen if PTSD Isn’t Treated? 

It’s important that PTSD is recognized and treated, otherwise, it can cause problems with daily functioning. People who don’t get help for their symptoms may end up self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. This makes it harder to recover from trauma, as substance use can mask the root of the problem and cause an addiction. 

Untreated PTSD can also lead to self-harm, self-destructive behaviors, angry outbursts, suicidal thoughts, relationship issues and difficulty at work or school. Safe, effective treatments are available for PTSD. You do not have to let these symptoms interfere with your health and happiness. 

Trauma Therapy for Addiction in Easton, PA 

Recovery Cove specializes in trauma therapy. We work with individuals who have suffered trauma and are now using drugs or alcohol to cope. Our therapies are focused on uncovering the underlying trauma and processing it in a healthy way so that you can heal. You will also learn new ways to cope so that you don’t turn to substances to self-medicate. 

The most effective techniques for treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders are cognitive behavioral therapy, intensive individual therapy, therapeutic activities and group therapy. To learn more about treating trauma and substance use, contact Recovery Cove at 484-549-COVE