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Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a condition resulting from a traumatic event outside the range of a person's normal experience.
What is going on in the body?
PTSD is a psychological reaction to a catastrophic event outside of the individual. Researchers have identified changes in the central and autonomic nervous systems in people with PTSD. Changes in hormone systems have also been identified.
There are three types of PTSD reactions:
- acute, in which symptoms last less than 3 months
- chronic, in which symptoms last longer than 3 months
- delayed, in which symptoms start at least 6 months after the actual trauma occurs
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
PTSD is caused by exposure to excessive stress or trauma. Events that spark the condition are not normally part of most people's life experience. Events that can trigger PTSD include the following:
- child abuse
- high school violence, including shooting incidents
- imprisonment
- man-made disasters, such as bombings
- natural disasters, such as earthquakes
- plane crashes
- severe assault
- sexual abuse, including rape
- torture
- war
Not everyone exposed to such events will develop PTSD. It is not known why some individuals develop PTSD. However, having strong support systems lessens a person's risk of the disorder.
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment of PTSD can help reduce symptoms in some individuals. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps the individual change perceptions and attitudes about the trauma. Group therapy can be helpful, especially if others in the group suffered the same trauma. Exposure therapy allows the person to repeatedly relive the frightening experience under controlled conditions. This can help him or her work through the trauma.
People with PTSD often need treatment for depression or substance abuse. This needs to occur before measures directed at decreasing symptoms of PTSD can be effective.
Medicines used to treat PTSD include the following:
- anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin
- azaspirones, such as buspirone
- benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam or lorazepam
- beta-blockers, such as propanolol or atenolol
- MAO inhibitors, such as phenelazine
- SSRIs, such as paroxetine or sertraline
- tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Medicines used to treat PTSD can cause drowsiness, stomach upset, and allergic reactions.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Chronic PTSD often persists for years. It usually becomes less intense and bothersome as time passes.
How is the condition monitored?
PTSD is monitored with regular visits to the healthcare provider. Blood tests may be done periodically to measure levels of medicines. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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