Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can become an extremely debilitating mental health condition. It is the result of a person’s experience of a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, an horrible accident, terrorist attack, or any other life-threatening or extremely violent situation. PTSD can cause a wide range of symptoms, including nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.
PTSD can be isolating for those who suffer from it. They may feel disconnected from their friends and family, and may even avoid social situations. It can also cause a great deal of emotional distress, as those with PTSD may experience powerful feelings of anxiety, guilt, and depression.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately 1 in 4 Australians will experience a traumatic event at some point in their life. Of those who experience a traumatic event, 1 in 5 will develop PTSD. This means that more than 2 million Australians are affected by PTSD. Additionally, research suggests that PTSD is more prevalent in certain populations such as some cultural minorities exposed to higher rates of violence, people with a military service background, and victims of sexual assault. In order to effectively address this issue, it is crucial to identify those suffering from PTSD and to provide adequate support and resources to those that present for help.
The DSM-5 is the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and it is the standard for diagnosing mental health conditions. To be diagnosed with PTSD using the DSM-5, an individual must have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, and must have at least one re-experiencing symptom, at least one avoidance symptom, at least two reactivity symptoms, and at least two cognition or mood symptoms. Some of the re-experiencing symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. Avoidance symptoms include avoiding thoughts, feelings, conversations, situations, and activities associated with the traumatic event. Arousal and reactivity symptoms include irritability, hypervigilance, and difficulty sleeping. Cognitive and mood symptoms include difficulty concentrating, negative thoughts about oneself or the world, and distorted belief about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event.
If these symptoms persist for more than one month, a diagnosis of PTSD may be given.
Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available to help those suffering from PTSD. Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) are used to help people understand their traumatic experience and learn to manage their symptoms. Medication such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed to help reduce symptoms of PTSD. Other lifestyle changes such as relaxation techniques, exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep can also help reduce the severity of symptoms. It is important to remember that everyone's experience with PTSD is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. It is recommended to seek professional help to determine the best treatment for your individual situation.
With the right treatment, it is possible to manage symptoms and live a fulfilling life.