PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Have you experienced a shocking or radical event? Do you suffer from stress symptoms, nightmares, panic attacks, concentration problems or do you avoid places or situations that remind you of the trauma? If you recognize these symptoms, you may be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Below you can read what PTSD is, what the symptoms and causes are, and how treatment can help.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The situation is often life-threatening or can cause serious physical or psychological harm.

It may involve a single event, such as a violent robbery, a car accident, a fire or rape. PTSD can also develop after a series of traumatic experiences, such as living in a war zone, sexual abuse, long-term bullying or emotional or physical abuse.

Many people experience emotional problems after a traumatic event. In most cases these symptoms gradually disappear after a few months once the experience has been processed. If the trauma is not fully processed, PTSD may develop.

The development of PTSD differs from person to person. In most cases symptoms appear within the first month after the traumatic event. In some cases symptoms only appear months or even years later. Some people experience periods in which symptoms decrease, followed by periods in which they worsen. Others experience severe symptoms continuously.

Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms of PTSD vary greatly from person to person and also differ in intensity. People with PTSD generally experience one or more of the following symptom groups.

1. Re-experiencing

One of the most characteristic symptoms of PTSD is re-experiencing the traumatic event. This means that the event is relived involuntarily and vividly through flashbacks, nightmares or intrusive memories. Physical reactions such as sweating, trembling, nausea or pain may also occur.

Some people constantly think about the traumatic event and repeatedly ask themselves questions that interfere with processing. They may feel guilt or shame and wonder whether they could have prevented the event.

2. Avoidance behavior

Avoidance is another common symptom of PTSD. People try to avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. This may include avoiding certain places, people or conversations related to the trauma.

Avoidance behavior can significantly change daily life. For example, after a serious car accident someone may avoid driving or even refuse to sit in a car with someone else.

Some people try to suppress memories by keeping themselves constantly busy with work or hobbies. Others try not to feel anything at all. This emotional numbing can be a way to protect themselves from painful memories.

3. Tension and hyperarousal

People with PTSD are often constantly on alert, even when there is no real danger. Relaxing becomes difficult and they may feel easily startled.

This tension can lead to irritability, anger outbursts, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating and a constant sense of alertness.

4. Additional psychological and physical problems

PTSD can also be accompanied by other psychological or physical complaints, such as depression, anxiety, phobias or substance abuse. Physical complaints such as headaches, dizziness, chest pain or stomach pain can also occur.

Because of these symptoms, PTSD can strongly affect daily life and may lead to problems at work, during studies or within relationships.

What is complex PTSD?

Complex PTSD usually develops after long-term or repeated exposure to extremely stressful situations. Examples include emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence or living in a war zone.

In addition to the symptoms of regular PTSD, complex PTSD can include additional difficulties.

A negative self-image with feelings of guilt, shame or helplessness
Difficulty trusting others and maintaining relationships
Problems regulating emotions, which can lead to anger outbursts or emotional shutdown
Dissociative experiences, such as feeling detached from yourself or confusion about what is real
Memory gaps that cannot be explained by normal forgetfulness

Dissociation can function as a protective mechanism against overwhelming emotions related to traumatic memories. The brain temporarily blocks certain feelings, thoughts or perceptions.

PTSD treatment

PTSD is treatable, although recovery differs for each person. Some people recover within a few months, while others experience symptoms for a longer period. In some cases PTSD becomes chronic and treatment focuses on learning how to cope better with the symptoms.

Several factors influence recovery, such as the severity of the traumatic event, whether it was a single incident or repeated experiences, personal resilience and the ability to cope with stressful situations.

EMDR therapy

Trauma and PTSD can often be treated effectively with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR is a widely used therapy for trauma-related symptoms.

During EMDR you briefly recall the traumatic event while simultaneously following the therapist’s finger with your eyes. This dual task taxes the working memory, allowing the emotional intensity of the memory to decrease. Over time the traumatic memory fades into the background and feelings of anxiety diminish.