Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly called PTSD, can impact anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or been exposed to the details of a traumatic event. Despite its significant impact, recognizing the symptoms of PTSD can be particularly challenging. Often, these symptoms are mistaken for those of anxiety or depression, leading to potential misunderstandings and delays in treatment. In this blog post, we'll delve into the distinct signs of PTSD, helping to clarify how they differ from other conditions and providing a clearer understanding of what to look for. Whether you're seeking to better understand your own experiences or those of a loved one, this guide aims to shed light on the complex and often hidden symptoms of PTSD.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
Before we begin, it is important to note that the symptoms of PTSD vary in intensity and can exist on a spectrum. Symptoms can start immediately, or they might take some weeks or even months to begin after a traumatic event and must last for more than 1 month to meet the criteria for PTSD. The symptoms of PTSD fall into four primary clusters: intrusions, avoidance, negative thought patterns and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity.
Intrusion symptoms
A person with PTSD may frequently re-experience the traumatic event in various forms, including at least one or more of the following symptoms:
Unwanted, recurring, intrusive, and distressing memories of the trauma
Disturbing dreams or nightmares connected to the event
Experiencing flashbacks, where the traumatic event feels like it’s happening again, and some may experience a sense of dissociation
Strong emotional or physical responses to triggers, which are reminders of the traumatic event
Avoidance symptoms
A person with PTSD will typically exhibit at least one avoidant symptom, such as:
Deliberately steering clear of people, places, conversations, activities, objects, physical sensations (such as smells or sounds), or situations that provoke memories of the trauma
Avoiding thoughts or emotions that trigger recollections of the event
Negative thought pattern and mood symptoms
A person with PTSD will typically exhibit at least two of the following negative thought patterns or mood changes:
Maintaining a persistent negative emotional state, including feelings of shame, anger, or fear, and holding negative views about others and the world
Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the trauma
Feeling a sense of hopelessness about the future
Having trouble remembering key aspects of the traumatic event
Struggling to maintain close relationships
Experiencing emotional numbness
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
Finding it hard to experience positive emotions like love, joy, and humor
Feeling disconnected or detached from others
Changes in arousal and reactivity symptoms
A person with PTSD will typically exhibit at least two of the following changes in arousal and reactivity:
a) Being easily startled or excessively alert, often feeling "jumpy", aka heightened startle response
b) Constantly on high alert for potential danger (hypervigilance)
c) Displaying self-destructive or impulsive actions
d) Showing irritability, or engaging in angry or aggressive behavior or outbursts
e) Struggling with concentration
f) Experiencing difficulties with sleeping
Understanding the symptoms of PTSD is crucial for recognizing and addressing the condition effectively. By being aware of the four key symptom clusters—intrusions, avoidance, negative thought patterns and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity —you can better identify how PTSD manifests in different individuals. This awareness is essential for providing support, seeking appropriate treatment, and fostering a more compassionate approach to those affected. If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, it’s important to reach out for professional help. Early intervention and proper support can make a significant difference in managing PTSD and improving overall well-being.
This article constitutes Part 1 of a series of articles on the topic to be released. Visit https://www.psycentre.ca/mental-health-blog for previous and upcoming blog posts on a wide range of mental health topics.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed, text rev.) https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2014). DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD. National Library of Medicine; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/box/part1_ch3.box16/
Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). PTSD and DSM- 5. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/dsm5_ptsd.asp#one