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Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)1-2

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, avoidance, and difficulty functioning.

The six primary types of PTSD include:
  • Normal stress response: Most individuals experience a normal stress response to traumatic events, which typically resolves over time.
  • Acute stress disorder: Short-term symptoms following a traumatic event.
  • Uncomplicated PTSD: Develops from a single traumatic event, leading to intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and mood changes.
  • Dissociative PTSD: Characterized by dissociative episodes alongside typical PTSD symptoms.
  • Complex PTSD: Results from repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences, leading to more severe symptoms and difficulties with emotion regulation.
  • Comorbid PTSD: Occurs alongside other mental health conditions, such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, or dissociative disorders.

PTSD symptoms in adults and children1-2, 4

PTSD symptoms can vary in severity and duration for both adults and children, but they often fall into these categories:

  • Intrusive memories: Flashbacks, nightmares, and recurrent distressing thoughts about the traumatic event. Children might reenact traumatic events through play.
  • Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the trauma, such as people, places, or activities.
  • Negative changes in thinking and mood: Persistent negative thoughts, feelings of guilt or shame, and difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
  • Changes in physical and emotional reactions: Hypervigilance, irritability, exaggerated startle response, difficulty sleeping, and problems concentrating.
Additional symptoms in younger children:3-4
  • Restlessness or fidgetiness
  • Trouble paying attention and staying organized
  • Regression to earlier developmental stages such as bedwetting and thumb-sucking

If you or your child experience these symptoms for more than a month and they significantly interfere with daily life, it’s important to seek professional help.

PTSD causes in adults and children

While anyone can experience PTSD, certain factors may increase the risk in both adults and children:1-4

  • Severe or prolonged traumatic events: Experiences like combat, sexual assault, physical abuse, natural disasters, or witnessing violence can significantly increase the risk.
  • Childhood trauma: Exposure to traumatic events during childhood, such as abuse or neglect, can make individuals more susceptible to PTSD.
  • Personal factors: Pre-existing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, family history of mental health disorders, and substance abuse can increase vulnerability.
  • Lack of social support: Having a strong support system can help individuals cope with trauma, while a lack of support may increase the risk of PTSD.
  • Genetic predisposition: Family history of mental health conditions, including PTSD or depression, may make individuals more susceptible.

PTSD treatments for adults

Treatment for PTSD typically includes a multifaceted approach combining therapy and medication. A range of evidence-based therapies may be available to support your recovery journey. Various modalities include:1-3

  • Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): This therapy helps you identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to your trauma, leading to a more positive outlook.
  • Exposure therapy: This approach gradually exposes you to trauma-related memories or situations in a safe and controlled environment. It can help you process the event and decrease anxiety and avoidance behaviors.

Medication also play a role in managing symptoms of PTSD:

  • Antidepressants: These medications can effectively treat depression and anxiety symptoms commonly associated with PTSD.
  • Anti-anxiety medications: In some cases, short-term anti-anxiety medications can offer relief from severe anxiety.

AZOVA’s Virtual Behavioral Health services offer convenient access to mental health professionals through secure video calls or messaging. This option can be a valuable resource for timely assistance and guidance.

PTSD treatments for children3-4

Treatment for PTSD in children typically involves a combination of therapy and support. 

Key components of treatment:

  • Therapy: A trained mental health professional can guide children through TF-CBT, which involves talking, playing, drawing, and storytelling activities.
  • Parental involvement: Parents or caregivers play a crucial role in providing comfort, support, and a safe environment for children to heal.
  • Coping skills: Children can acquire techniques to manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and address harmful thoughts.
  • Medication: In certain cases, medication may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

AZOVA’s Behavioral Health services offer convenient access to mental health professionals through secure video calls or messaging. This option can be a valuable resource for timely assistance and guidance for your child.

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References

1Anxiety & Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

2Choosing Therapy. By Renee Skedel, LPC. Medically reviewed Benjamin Troy, MD. (2024, May 7). Types of PTSD: Understanding the Different Diagnoses & Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/types-of-ptsd/

3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Last reviewed 2023, July 26). Post-traumatic stress disorder in children. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/ptsd.html

4Nemours KidsHealth. Medically reviewed by Shirin Hasan, MD. (Reviewed 2021, August). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (for Parents). Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/ptsd.html

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