Did you know that June is recognized as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month, with June 27 designated as National PTSD Awareness Day and PTSD Screening Day? About 6 in 100 people will experience PTSD at some point, according to the National Center for PTSD, within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The American Psychological Association defines PTSD as an anxiety disorder that can develop after extremely traumatic events. This often occurs in veterans who have engaged in active combat.
Former North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad called for a PTSD “day of awareness” in 2010, in tribute to Staff Sgt. Joe Biel of the North Dakota National Guard. Biel committed suicide after returning from two tours in Iraq. His birthday, June 27, was selected as the official PTSD Awareness Day. In 2014, the U.S. Senate designated June as National PTSD Awareness Month.
How PTSD develops
PTSD usually develops after experiencing or witnessing a sudden, serious event. Examples include:
- Active military combat
- Violent crime
- Physical abuse
- Sexual assault
- Car accident
- Natural disaster
- Terrorist attack
For a person to receive a PTSD diagnosis in adulthood, he or she must have experienced all of the following for at least one month:
- Re-experiencing: this may include flashbacks, recurring dreams related to the traumatic event, or physical stress symptoms
- Avoidance: this could include staying away from reminders of the traumatic experience or avoiding thoughts related to the experience
- Arousal and reactivity: this may include difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, being on edge or aggressive, or risky behavior
- Cognition and mood symptoms: such symptoms may include difficulty remembering key features of the event, exaggerated feelings of guilt or blame, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, social isolation, or persistent negative emotions
Some risk factors may make someone more likely to develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event. These may include genetic predispositions or a lack of resilience skills or ways to help move on from the event. Women are also more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event than men.
PTSD can develop at any age. However, children may present unique symptoms that could include wetting the bed after being potty trained, regression in skills such as speech, or being unusually clingy with a parent or other adult. Older children and teens are more likely to experience signs similar to those in adults.
How PTSD is treated
PTSD may require several different treatment approaches, especially because it often comes with co-occurring conditions, such as depression or substance misuse. These approaches may include:
- Trauma therapy and psychotherapy may target PTSD symptoms or focus on specific problems that the PTSD affects. It may include exposure therapy or cognitive restructuring.
- Medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may help treat PTSD.
- Lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a regular routine, participating in stress-reducing activities like exercise, and avoiding the use of substances like alcohol, can help reduce PTSD.
- Participation in group therapy sessions may provide mutual support for those with PTSD.
Unfortunately, many people who could benefit from PTSD treatment do not receive the help they need. This is why it is important to raise awareness of PTSD, how it can affect loved ones, and what potential treatments there are.
Behavioral health providers may see a wide range of clients with PTSD from many different causes. A customized EHR solution can help you save time and reduce frustration, making your staff and services more effective. Contact BestNotes today to learn more or request a demo.