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Trauma & PTSD
In the aftermath of a traumatic event, it is normal to have feelings of detachment or emotional numbness, a feeling of distorted or altered reality, amnesia or even repeated reliving of the event. For most, these feelings will fade within the next few weeks. For others, they become a part of life. This information sheet explains why this happens and what can be done about it. We hope it leads to a greater understanding of the disorder, for patients and their families.
As the name implies, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs only after (post) an extremely stressful event (trauma). The more severe the trauma and the longer the person is exposed to it, the greater the likelihood of developing PTSD. PTSD is only diagnosed after a) a person has been exposed to an extreme trauma, b) symptoms develop that last at least one month and c) the symptoms create extreme distress and dysfunction. Three or more of the following characteristics are usually present:
- numbing, detachment or absence of emotional response
- reduced awareness of surroundings (being dazed)
- sensation that surroundings are distorted or unreal
- the feeling that you are different, strange or unreal
- an inability to remember parts of the trauma.
In addition to three or more of these five characteristics, the traumatic event is relived repeatedly. This can take the form of recurrent images, thoughts, and dreams or "flashbacks" of the event. Even reminders of the event can cause extreme distress; so many people go out of their way to avoid places or events that resemble the traumatic event in some ways. Many experience increased anxiety, restlessness, sleeplessness, irritability, poor concentration, hypervigilance or an exaggerated startle response. Some are even plagued by feelings of "survivor's guilt," because they survived when others did not or because of certain things they may have had to do to survive. This complete set of symptoms is obviously very disruptive and stressful to the victim as well as their family and loved ones. It can even impair job performance and social functioning.
Cognitive Behavioural Treatment
Three kinds of psychotherapy have been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD: cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and stress innoculation & coping. All of these appraoches have been researched and are all effective for some people.
