Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event. PTSD can also come from other traumatic events like being in a car accident. Last but not least, they can happen after an act of violence or being the victim of sexual assault.

Symptoms of PTSD include feeling on edge and easily startled. These can include having nightmares or flashbacks, and feeling numb and disconnected from emotions or others. To add, people can experience avoiding situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event.

People can also experience trouble sleeping or concentrating, irritability or anger, trouble falling and staying asleep because of nightmares, and trouble concentrating at work or school.

It is important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Most people recover from trauma naturally over time. However, some people are more likely than others to develop PTSD. For example, women are more likely than men to develop it, as well as people with a history of mental health problems. Children are also more likely to than adults. 

Complex PTSD (CPTSD)

It is important to understand the difference between CPTSD and PTSD. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced prolonged or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or captivity. Unlike traditional PTSD, which typically arises from a single traumatic event, CPTSD stems from ongoing trauma and is characterized by a broader range of symptoms.

These symptoms may include emotional dysregulation, negative self-perception, difficulties with relationships, and disruptions in identity and self-concept. CPTSD can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health and functioning. Thus, requiring specialized treatment approaches to address its complex nature and begin healing from complex PTSD.

Complex PTSD vs. PTSD

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a psychological condition resulting from prolonged or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, and involves a broader range of symptoms than traditional PTSD. Whereas, PTSD on the other hand, typically arises from a single traumatic event and involves symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional numbness.

While both PTSD and CPTSD are related to trauma, CPTSD is characterized by more pervasive and enduring symptoms due to the prolonged or repeated nature of the trauma experienced.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than two-thirds of children reported at least 1 traumatic event by age 16. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events or experiences occurring during childhood that can have long-lasting negative effects on an individual’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.

These experiences may include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction such as substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma. ACEs have been linked to a wide range of health and social problems later in life, including mental health disorders, substance abuse, chronic diseases, and interpersonal difficulties. Identifying and addressing ACEs is crucial for promoting resilience and improving outcomes for affected individuals.

• Flashbacks: A person might have flashbacks where they feel like they’re experiencing what happened before. This feels like they’re being attacked by someone or feeling as though something bad is about to happen again.
• Nightmares: Someone may experience nightmares about their traumatic event. These vivid nightmares may wake them from sleep or keep them from falling asleep at night.
• Avoidance: Someone may avoid talking about what happened or avoid thinking about the traumatic event. A person might also avoid places, people, or things that remind them of a traumatic event. This includes avoiding crowds and public places if they remind someone of danger during a traumatic event. 
• Negative Changes in Mood or Thinking: Someone might start to have negative thoughts about themselves or the people around them. They could have difficulties maintaining relationships with friends and family. 

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  Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps someone learn ways to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. This type of therapy involves working with a therapist to identify patterns in their thinking that may be contributing to challenging symptoms. They learn new ways to think about those patterns so they don’t trigger negative emotions or behaviors.
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  Holistic therapy: Holistic therapy will encourage the healing of the whole individual. Lexington Addiction Center offers meditation, yoga, recreational therapy, nutrition, and gym/workout programs.
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  EMDR therapy: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing help individuals process the upsetting memories, thoughts, and feelings related to the traumatic experience. EMDR will help individuals heal psychologically just like bodies can heal physically. 

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