Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What is it?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that can manifest after an individual undergoes a profoundly distressing or traumatic event.
Often associated with experiences that significantly disrupt one's sense of safety or integrity, PTSD can emerge when events are perceived as sudden, overwhelming, and life-threatening.
Manifestations of PTSD
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Re-experiencing
Re-experiencing involves intrusive and distressing thoughts related to the traumatic event, encompassing nightmares, flashbacks, and emotional or physiological responses reminiscent of the trauma.
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Avoidance
Avoidance is characterized by an individual's tendency to circumvent thoughts, feelings, or reminders linked to the traumatic event, leading to diminished interest in once-pleasurable activities or daily tasks. Someone might experience feelings of detachment from others, display difficulty recalling specific details of the traumatic event, exhibit an impaired ability to experience certain emotions (e.g., anger), or alter future plans because of the trauma.
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Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal is indicated by challenges in initiating or maintaining sleep, sporadic episodes of anger or irritability, difficulties in concentration, heightened alertness, and an increased startle response.