PTSD is a mental disorder that occurs after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic experience. This post will outline the diagnostic criteria, causes, symptoms, other trauma disorders, co-morbid disorders, and provide resources surrounding PTSD. This is not meant to be used to self diagnose. This is a blog dedicated to spreading awareness on mental health, if you, or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms seek medical help.
Diagnostic criteria:
According to the DSM-V, Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is characterized by-
Exposure or experience of one or more traumatic events
Re-living the experience through things listed in criteria B
Avoidance of things associated with the trauma (people involved, places, etc.)
At least 2 of the changes in mood listed in criteria D
Experiencing at least 2 changes in arousal levels
Symptoms lasting for longer than one month
Symptoms are unrelated to substance abuse
Causes of PTSD:
PTSD is caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Traumatic events are different from person to person and what one finds normal could be traumatic for another. Common traumas that cause PTSD include-
Sexual Abuse
Assault
War
Childhood Abuse
Serious Injury
Near Death Experience
Natural Disasters
Domestic Violence
Common Symptoms:
These are just some of the symptoms that can be experienced by those with PTSD.
Alterations in mood, paranoia, amnesia, feeling detached, distorted thoughts ('its my fault' etc), difficulty functioning in daily life, increase in stress, anxiety, avoidance, flashbacks, dissociation, nightmares, increased heart rate, fast breathing and panic attacks.
Other trauma disorders:
Reactive Attachment Disorder
Dis-inhibited Social Engagement Disorder
Acute Stress Disorder
Adjustment Disorder
Other Specified Trauma and Stressors Disorder
Unspecified Trauma and Stressors Disorder
DID
Dissociative Amnesia
DPDR
Co-morbid Disorders:
Co-morbid disorders are those that are often seen together, for example depression and anxiety are co-morbid. PTSD also has co-morbid disorders, these will not effect everyone with PTSD, but are commonly seen in those with it.
Depression
Bipolar
Anxiety
Substance Disorders
TBI
Opposition Defiant Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder
DID
Major Neurocognative Disorders
For more posts relating to this topic please see the links below:
Resources:
DSM-V (Diagnostic Criteria used by medical professionals)
I am not a mental health professional, I just want to spread awareness for mental illness in hopes people get the help they need and feel less alone. All information in this article was found at the resources listed. Thank you for reading.
Jen xx
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