Symptoms Of PTSD
PTSD symptoms might appear three months after the stressful event, but they often do not. In order to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an individual must have symptoms for more than one month and have enough severity for them to interfere with daily functioning, including relationships and employment. Moreover, the symptoms must not be connected to drug usage, substance abuse, or any other disease.
The illness progresses differently. While some individuals get better in six months, others experience symptoms that persist for a year or more. Many times, co-occurring illnesses including depression, substance abuse, or one or more anxiety disorders coexist with PTSD in people.
It is normal to have certain symptoms following a potentially harmful occurrence. Some people could, for instance, feel cut off from the experience, as if they are looking on from the outside rather than living it. If symptoms fit the criteria for PTSD, they can be diagnosed by a mental health professional (psychologist, psychologist, or clinical social worker).
Adults with PTSD must exhibit all the following symptoms for at least one month in order to be diagnosed:
• At least one re-experiencing symptom
• At least one avoidance symptom
• At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
• At least two cognition and mood symptoms
Re-experiencing symptoms
• Flashbacks—reliving the traumatic event through physical symptoms such as racing heart or sweating.
• Recurrent memories or dreams about the event
• Worrying thoughts
• Physical manifestations of stress
These symptoms can be triggered by thoughts and feelings, as well as words, objects, or situations that serve as reminders of the event.
Avoidance Symptoms
• Avoiding places, events, or objects that serve as reminders of the experience• Avoiding thoughts or feelings that are associated with the traumatic event.
People who experience avoidance symptoms may alter their routines. After a serious car accident, for example, some people may avoid driving or riding in a car.
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms
• Being easily frightened
• Feeling tense, on edge, or on guard
• Having trouble concentrating
• Having trouble falling or staying asleep?
• irritable and prone to angry or aggressive outbursts
• Engaging in reckless, dangerous, or destructive behavior
Arousal symptoms are frequently persistent. They can cause stress and anger and can interfere with daily activities such as sleeping, eating, and concentrating.
Cognition and Mood Symptoms
• Having difficulty recalling key details of the traumatic event
• Negative perceptions of oneself or the world
• Excessive feelings of resentment toward oneself or others
• Fear, anger, guilt, or shame are examples of ongoing negative emotions.
• Loss of enthusiasm for previous activities
• Isolation in social situations
• Difficulties feeling positive emotions like happiness or satisfaction
After a traumatic event, cognitive and mood symptoms may develop or worsen. They can cause people to feel estranged from friends and family.
How do children and adolescents cope with trauma?
Children and adolescents can have severe reactions to traumatic events, but their symptoms may differ compared to those seen in adults. Symptoms in children under the age of six include:
• After learning to use the toilet, wetting the bed
• Forgetting or being unable to communicate
• Acting out the frightening event during playtime
• Being unusually attached to a parent or another adult
Symptoms in older children and teenagers are more like those seen in adults. They may also exhibit disruptive, disrespectful, or destructive behavior. Older children and teenagers may feel guilty for failing to prevent injury or death, or they may consider vengeance.