Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can happen after going through or witnessing a really scary event.
PTSD is different from normal stress, because it’s more intense, lasts longer, and impacts daily life.
Recent stats show that about 8% of Floridians have had PTSD at some point in their lives.
Living with PTSD can affect how people go about their daily lives. The symptoms can be distressing and get in the way of work, relationships, and overall well-being.
It’s not unusual for people with PTSD to have trouble with socializing, focusing, or always feeling on edge. Fortunately, treatment can help.
For people in Florida with PTSD, treatments like residential care, psychotherapy and antidepressants are available at Mark Behavioral Health.
Quick Facts on PTSD
- Prevalence: 5% of adults or 13 million people have PTSD each year in the U.S.
- When it occurs: after traumatic events, like military combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, or serious accidents.
- Symptoms: intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event, avoiding trauma triggers, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and feeling more alert or on edge.
- Treatment: psychotherapy (i.e. CBT and cognitive processing), medications, dual diagnosis care, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, EMDR
Causes of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by someone experiencing an extremely distressing event that overwhelms their ability to cope.
Examples of such events include:
- War
- Assault
- Accidents
- Natural disasters
- Other life-threatening situations
People who have previously experienced trauma or have existing mental health issues are at higher risk of developing PTSD after a traumatic event.
For instance, someone who endured childhood abuse may develop PTSD if they’re exposed to another traumatic incident.
On the other hand, having a strong support system of family and friends can help prevent PTSD.
When people can turn to others after a traumatic event, they may find it easier to cope with what happened — decreasing the likelihood of developing PTSD.
Risk Factors for PTSD
On the flip side, certain factors present in people’s lives may make them more likely to develop PTSD if they are exposed to a scary or overwhelming event.
Risk factors for PTSD include:
- Previous trauma
- Existing mental health conditions
- Lack of social support
- Severity of trauma
- Occupational exposure
First responders, military personnel, and healthcare workers may face a higher risk due to repeated exposure to trauma.
Additionally, certain professions that involve high levels of stress, such as police officers, can also lead to PTSD.
Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD symptoms vary from person to person, but they generally fall into four main categories:
- Intrusive symptoms: such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares.
- Avoidance symptoms: i.e. avoiding certain places, people, or activities that trigger distressing memories to avoid re-experiencing traumatic memories or memory triggers.
- Negative changes in thinking and mood: distorted beliefs, such as feeling guilty or responsible for the traumatic event. This can also look like angry outbursts, sadness, or fear.
- Hyperarousal symptoms: being constantly on edge and hyper-vigilant, having difficulty concentrating, becoming irritable, and having an exaggerated startle response. These symptoms can also lead to sleep troubles such as insomnia or restless sleep due to nightmares related to aspects of the traumatic event.
Types of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder can manifest in different ways depending on factors such as the duration of symptoms and the nature of the traumatic experience.
Here are the main types of PTSD:
Acute PTSD
This type of PTSD typically occurs within the first three months after a traumatic event. It may resolve on its own or lead to another type of PTSD if not addressed.
People with acute PTSD may experience symptoms such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares.
Chronic PTSD
Chronic PTSD is characterized by symptoms that last for at least three months and can persist for years if left untreated. This condition can aggravate or lead to other mental health problems.
People with chronic PTSD may experience ongoing emotional numbness, avoidance of triggers, and persistent negative emotions often tied to fear or reliving PTSD memories.
Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD is a type of PTSD that results from long-term exposure to trauma, often in situations where the person has little or no chance of escape.
This can occur in cases of prolonged domestic abuse, childhood neglect, or human trafficking. The symptoms of complex PTSD can be more severe than those of other types of PTSD. This condition often impacts the person’s self-identity and their ability to form healthy relationships.
Effects of Untreated PTSD
Getting swift treatment for PTSD to prevent symptoms from getting worse and to improve overall well-being is crucial.
Here are some potential effects if PTSD is left untreated:
- Symptoms get worse: Without treatment, PTSD symptoms can become more intense over time, making them harder to manage in the future.
- Ongoing distress: People with untreated PTSD may continue to struggle with strong emotions like fear, anger, or sadness. This can have a big impact on their ability to work, have good relationships, and enjoy activities.
- Trouble functioning: People with untreated PTSD might have trouble concentrating, have memory problems, find it hard to make decisions, or struggle to be productive in daily life.
- Lower quality of life: People with untreated PTSD might avoid social activities and even loved ones. Feeling emotionally numb and avoiding trauma triggers can stop them from fully participating in life.
- Increased risk of other problems: Untreated PTSD raises the chances of developing other mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.
Diagnosing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
For an official diagnosis of PTSD, you have to meet specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing PTSD include:
- Exposure to acute stress or a traumatic event
- Intrusion symptoms
- Avoidance symptoms
- Negative changes in cognition and ,ood
- Hyperarousal symptoms
Note that only a health care provider can review your health information and give you a PTSD diagnosis.
Treatment for PTSD at Mark Behavioral Health
Whether you’re having sleep problems, turning to substance use to cope, or simply tired of experiencing the reactivity symptoms of PTSD, you can get treatment.
At Mark Behavioral Health, we offer a trauma-focused residential treatment program to address PTSD symptoms and other mental health issues so you can get your life back.
Treatment of PTSD in Florida may include the following psychiatry and other services:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people with PTSD identify and change their negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Through CBT, you can learn coping skills to manage PTSD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
CBT is one of the main talk therapies (psychotherapy) offered to residents at Mark Behavioral Health.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy and one of the first-line treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Similar to CBT, this evidence-based therapy aims to help you understand and change your negative thoughts and beliefs associated with your traumatic experiences.
Here is how CPT works to address PTSD:
- Challenging unhelpful beliefs: CPT teaches you skills to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs about yourself, others, and the world that have developed due to the trauma.
- Processing traumatic memories: Through various techniques, such as writing assignments and Socratic questioning, you’ll be able to examine and challenge your thoughts related to the trauma.
- Developing coping strategies: CPT helps you develop coping strategies to manage distressing emotions from and reactions to traumatic experiences. By learning new ways of thinking and responding, you can reduce the impact of PTSD symptoms on your life.
Cognitive Therapy
While CBT focuses on thoughts and behaviors tied to the past, cognitive therapy focuses on the present. Both can address PTSD for different reasons.
Cognitive therapy for PTSD involves working with a trained therapist to:
- Identify and confront negative thought Patterns
- Develop coping skills
- Reframe perceptions of the traumatic event
- Reduce avoidance behaviors
Research has shown that cognitive therapy can be highly effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall functioning.
Some specific benefits of cognitive therapy for PTSD include:
- Reduced amount of symptoms
- Improved emotional regulation
- Enhanced problem-solving skills
- Increased sense of self-empowerment
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Prolonged exposure therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. This evidence-based approach helps you gradually confront and process trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations.
Throughout treatment, you will be guided to repeatedly approach trauma stimuli, allowing you to process and integrate the traumatic experiences into your life.
Exposure exercises may include vividly recounting the traumatic event or gradually confronting real-life situations associated with the trauma.
By confronting these stimuli, you can confront and conquer your fear, which leads to a decrease in anxiety and avoidance behaviors.
Prolonged exposure therapy usually involves weekly sessions over several months.
Research has consistently shown that prolonged exposure therapy is highly effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall functioning.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy technique developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro.
It was created to help people process traumatic memories and lessen the distress associated with those memories.
EMDR works by activating the brain’s natural healing processes. Through bilateral stimulation (alternating stimulation on both sides of the body), such as eye movements or taps, you can access and process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity.
Some specific benefits of EMDR for PTSD include:
- Reducing the intensity of intrusive thoughts or memories
- Easing emotional distress and anxiety associated with the traumatic event
- Addressing negative beliefs or self-perceptions that have developed due to the trauma
- Improving overall mood and sense of well-being
Medications
Medications are commonly used alongside therapy to help manage PTSD symptoms and provide relief.
Here are the most commonly prescribed medications for PTSD:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): These medications work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety.
- Antipsychotics, Mood Stabilizers, and Anti-anxiety Medications: Antipsychotics can help manage intrusive thoughts or severe anxiety. Mood stabilizers may stabilize mood swings or irritability. And anti-anxiety medications can provide relief from intense anxiety symptoms.
Medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. The specific type of medication, dosage, and duration of treatment will vary based on individual needs.
Remember, medication is just one part of comprehensive PTSD treatment. Therapy, including talk therapy such as CBT, is crucial in addressing the underlying causes of PTSD and developing coping strategies.
Mark Behavioral Health offers evidence-based treatments for PTSD and other mental health conditions to support you or your loved one in healing and recovery. Remember, you don’t have to face PTSD alone — help is available.
Understanding the Link Between PTSD and Other Mental Health Conditions
Post traumatic stress disorder often occurs alongside other mental health disorders, especially depression and anxiety disorders.
This can complicate diagnosis and treatment, requiring integrated approaches that address both conditions at the same time.
Here’s what to know about the link between PTSD and other mental health conditions:
- PTSD commonly co-occurs with other mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety disorders.
- Integrated treatment approaches may be necessary to address the complex issues that arise with having both PTSD and co-occurring conditions.
- A comprehensive care plan that addresses both PTSD and any co-occurring mental health disorders is essential for effective treatment and recovery.
- Co-occurring conditions present unique challenges in the diagnosis and management of PTSD.
- A holistic approach that considers the symptoms of both PTSD and all other mental health conditions is crucial for providing personalized and effective care.
Best Resources for Floridians With PTSD
If you or someone you know has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Florida, there are a number of resources that can provide support and assistance.
These resources can offer valuable information, treatment options, and guidance for adults and adolescents living with PTSD.
Here are some of the best resources for people with PTSD in Florida:
The National Center for PTSD
This organization offers information on local support groups and treatment options.
Their website provides educational materials, self-help tools, and clinical trials and research updates to help people better understand and manage their PTSD symptoms.
Florida Veterans Support Line
For veterans battling PTSD, the Florida Veterans Support Line provides valuable assistance and resources.
They offer access to counseling services, mental health support, and referrals to specialized treatment programs. This helpline serves as a lifeline for veterans in need of support. The helpline is 1-844-MyFLVet (1-844-693-5838).
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs website offers a comprehensive list of resources for people facing PTSD, including specialized treatment programs and support services.
Friends and family members can also find educational resources on supporting someone with PTSD in Florida. Remember, reaching out for help is the first step in healing.
Note: Mark Behavioral Health is also an excellent resource for people seeking treatment for PTSD in Florida. Our evidence-based and compassion-forward care approach ensures you receive the support you need to overcome mental health issues.
When to Seek Professional Help for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If you have PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, or severe anxiety from a traumatic event such as a car accident or military service, seeking professional help can be life-changing.
Professional help for PTSD helps you find coping strategies and techniques to manage symptoms effectively. Mental health professionals guide the healing process and can help you regain control of your life.
If trauma effects hinder your daily functioning, contact a mental health professional. PTSD can greatly impact your relationships, your work, and disrupt your overall well-being. Seeking early help prevents worsening symptoms and improves your long-term recovery.
At Mark Behavioral Health in South Florida, our caring experts provide evidence-based treatments for PTSD.
You are not alone in facing this — tailored help is available, and lasting recovery is possible.