There are 5 common indicators that you or someone you know has developed PTSD the first of which is exposure to something that would be a cause. Exposure includes if the trauma is experienced first-hand, directing witnessing this trauma happen to someone else, learning it happened to a loved one, and repeated exposure to the details of the event. It can manifest in more than one of the ways listed and is typically triggered by a threat to one’s life, a serious injury, or sexual violence.

The second sign is an intrusion system that develops after the occurrence of a traumatic event. When exposed to external cues that resemble the traumatic event, intrusion systems can cause distressing, repetitive memories or dreams of the event, dissociative reactions such as flashbacks or loss of awareness of surroundings, and psychological distress.

Avoidance is another sign of PTSD, it is the persistent avoidance of anything related to the trauma, including memories, thoughts, feelings, people, places, conversations, activities, situations, objects, or really anything that they associate with the traumatic event.

The last two common indicators of PTSD are altered mood and altered reactivity. An altered mood reflects the negative changes in the mood that are worsened after the event takes place, including negative beliefs about themselves, others, or the world, a general persistent negative emotional state, loss of interest in participating in activities, detachment from others, and the inability to experience consistent positive emotions such as happiness or love. Altered reactivity has more to do with the behavior, often including angry outbursts, general irritability, verbal or physical aggression, self-destructiveness, problems concentrating, and sleep deprivation.

It is possible to develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event that caused the person to feel intense fear, horror, or helplessness. There is no one specific event that needs to occur to cause PTSD, nor does it even need to have happened directly to the person who has developed the illness. Some examples of causes of PTSD (whether directly experienced or directly witnessed) include serious accidents, assault, abuse (both in childhood and adulthood), being admitted to intensive care, losing a baby, losing a loved one, war or conflict, and torture. Anyone who has developed PTSD, whatever the cause, can experience any of the symptoms included in the 5 signs of PTSD in varying degrees.

The 4 types of PTSD are acute stress disorder, uncomplicated PTSD, complex PTSD, and comorbid PTSD, listed in order of severity. Acute stress disorder occurs when someone experiences a life-threatening event, such as losing a loved one or experiencing something with the risk of death, and when left untreated, will typically develop into PTSD, requiring intensive treatments. Uncomplicated PTSD develops as a result of witnessing a major traumatic event and is treatable through intensive therapies and treatments. Complex PTSD is caused by experiencing multiple traumatic events, often involving repeated abuse, violence, war, or community violence. This type of PTSD is also treatable but will likely require additional treatment. Comorbid PTSD is when someone is suffering from more than one mental health condition at a time or the combination of mental health concerns along with a substance abuse disorder, making it more common than the other types of PTSD.

Someone who has developed PTSD will often experience several different symptoms caused by the trauma unless they are able to get intensive treatment. They will often experience terrifying nightmares and flashbacks related to the traumatic event and may find it difficult to trust and open up to people. Many people with PTSD will have trouble sleeping as well. PTSD causes someone to associate anything relevant to the traumatic event, making them more sensitive or reactive to triggers or similar situations. The symptoms can vary in severity, but everyone who is experiencing any of the symptoms should seek psychiatric attention to make sure that their mental health is cared for properly.

Post-traumatic stress disorder therapy can assist you in restoring control of your life. Visit our clinic today. We have convenient locations near you in Los Angeles CA, and Glendale CA. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Glendale CA, Beverly Hills CA, Santa Monica CA, Hollywood CA, Burbank CA, and Pasadena CA.