Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition triggered by experiencing one or more traumatic events. People who suffer from PTSD can experience a range of symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, emotional over-reactivity and a general state of heightened arousal. When the traumata are multiple and complex, this is referred to as complex PTSD.
Causes
The cause can be an event that represents a direct threat to one’s own life or the lives of others, or a person can be a witness to such an event. Typical triggers for PTSD include war, natural disasters, sexual and other violence, or serious accidents. Medical procedures such as operations or anaesthesia, very high fever and severe loss can also trigger PTSD. What is frequently overlooked is that neglect, lack of attunement and refusal of attachment are existential threats for babies and children, since they cannot care for themselves alone. In my view, trauma and PTSD are the most commonly overlooked causes of psychological problems.
Symptoms
The symptoms of PTSD can be varied and fall into three main categories: re-experiencing, avoidance and heightened arousal.
Re-experiencing: People with PTSD can have physical reactions such as sweating or elevated heart rate, or anxiety, when a trigger reminds them of the trauma. The body returns to the place and time of the distress. Some experience recurring flashbacks or nightmares in which the traumatic event replays.
Avoidance: Those affected tend to avoid places, people or situations that could remind them of the traumatic event. They may withdraw socially and avoid certain activities in order to avoid the fear and traumatic memories.
Heightened arousal: PTSD can lead to a state of permanent heightened arousal. Those affected are often irritable, have problems sleeping, and have an increased startle response. They feel constantly on alert and tense.
Treatment Options
Fortunately there are various treatment options for PTSD that can help those affected to cope with their condition and improve their quality of life. It is important that the dynamics and effects of trauma are understood in therapy so as to prevent re-traumatisation and work effectively. In my practice, Somatic Experiencing (SE)® is the foundation of my work.
Research and Progress
Research into PTSD has made significant advances in recent years, and new insights continue to emerge. Public awareness of PTSD has also grown, contributing to greater understanding and support for those affected. There are increasing programmes for early detection and prevention, particularly for people who live in high-risk areas or are occupationally exposed to traumatic events — rescue workers, medical staff, social workers and so on. Although much knowledge about trauma and PTSD has long existed, it can take a very long time before these insights are recognised and implemented in mainstream medicine. For me it is clear that I want and must continue to learn and develop.
Complex PTSD
In complex PTSD the causes are mostly to be found in childhood. When a great deal of trauma accumulates over a long or particularly vulnerable period, the causes are harder to identify, the symptoms more comprehensive, and resources more difficult to establish. Nevertheless, with Somatic Experiencing and other trauma-sensitive therapeutic approaches, healing and sustainable steps towards greater safety and wellbeing are possible.
Conclusion
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious mental health condition triggered by traumatic events that leaves those affected in a state of extreme stress, persistently or recurrently. The symptoms of PTSD can severely disrupt daily life, but treatment options exist to ease symptoms and restore or improve wellbeing.
