When we hear about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), we often think of veterans returning from war or survivors of major motor vehicle accidents. However, PTSD can affect any of us who have gone through a distressing experience. Many of us don’t realize that, like any other condition, PTSD can come in different forms, and each has its distinct challenges.
In this blog post, let’s explore various forms of PTSD and how they are different from one another. We’ll also discuss what causes PTSD and how we can manage its symptoms.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), PTSD may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic experience such as abuse, assault, car accident, natural disaster, medical emergency, or even the sudden loss of a loved one. Although it’s normal for us to feel shocked after a traumatic event, PTSD occurs when the distress we are experiencing is persistent to the extent that it’s difficult for us to feel safe, trust others, or move forward.
When you have PTSD, you can expect that you’ll experience intrusive thoughts about the trauma, flashbacks, and nightmares, avoid anything that can remind you of your trauma, struggle with intense emotions, and feel constantly on the edge.
Different Types of PTSD
Data from various research and clinical practices showed that PTSD can manifest in various forms. These types of PTSD include:
Acute PTSD
Acute PTSD, or Acute Stress Disorder, is considered one of the most common forms of PTSD and typically occurs within three months after you experience or witness a traumatic event. Symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional distress are typical in this condition.
Chronic PTSD
When your PTSD symptoms last for more than three months, it becomes chronic PTSD. This form tends to be more severe and can affect your day-to-day activities, work, and relationships. You may become stuck in a vicious cycle of reliving the traumatic memory, struggling to regulate your emotions, and finding it hard to trust other people.
Delayed-Onset PTSD
Sometimes, your PTSD symptoms don’t appear right away. In delayed-onset PTSD, you may begin experiencing your symptoms around six months or even years after the traumatic event. For many, it can be confusing because you might think you’ve already moved on, but flashbacks, anxiety, and other symptoms may appear suddenly.
Complex PTSD
Unlike other forms of PTSD, this condition develops after you’ve been exposed to repeated or long-term trauma where escape wasn’t possible, like childhood abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, or even neglect. Aside from the usual PTSD symptoms, you may also experience shame, trust issues, and a distorted sense of self-worth.
Dissociative PTSD
Dissociative PTSD occurs when your mind detaches from reality as a way of coping with trauma. You may experience depersonalization, where you’ll feel disconnected from your body, and derealization, or a feeling that the world around you seems unreal. It’s also common for people with this type of PTSD to experience memory problems or feel emotionally numb. If you’ve ever felt like you’re watching your life from the outside or like your emotions are entirely shut down, this might be why.
Uncomplicated PTSD
Uncomplicated PTSD happens when you experience PTSD symptoms without any other co-existing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. This type often responds well to treatment because there aren’t other overlapping disorders, making recovery more complex.
Symptoms of PTSD
While PTSD can take different forms, the symptoms usually fall into four main categories:
Intrusion
One of the most distressing symptoms of PTSD is intrusive thoughts. You may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and vivid memories, which can make it feel like your trauma is happening again. These moments can be extremely terrifying and make you powerless against your mind.
Avoidance
It’s typically for people with PTSD to avoid any reminders of their trauma. This means they often avoid certain places, people, conversations, or situations. However, it’s important to note that while avoidance may seem like a way to protect yourself, it can also delay or prevent recovery.
Mood and Cognition Changes
PTSD impacts not only your memory but also transforms your perception of yourself and your surroundings. You might feel guilt, shame, or hopelessness even if you’re not responsible.
Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal creates a constant sense of impending danger. You might always feel anxious and have trouble getting a good night’s rest or be easily startled. Your body is constantly on high alert despite the absence of real danger.
Causes of PTSD
Generally, PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For some of us, it comes from a single life-threatening event like a car accident or a natural disaster. In contrast, others may develop the condition after being exposed to repeated trauma such as domestic violence or childhood abuse.
In addition, research suggests that biological factors also play a role in the development of PTSD. When we have a family member who has a history of trauma, there’s a high chance that we could also develop similar or related mental health conditions.
What is the Normal Stress Response To Trauma?
After trauma, it’s normal for us to feel shocked, anxious, or overwhelmed. Many of us may experience temporary stress responses like heightened alertness, trouble sleeping, or avoiding certain triggers. The difference between a normal stress response and PTSD is that PTSD symptoms persist and worsen over time.
What Conditions Are Comorbid PTSD?
If you’re diagnosed with PTSD, you need to watch out for any other mental health conditions that might co-occur.
One of the most common comorbid conditions is depression. When you have PTSD, it’s typical that you also experience emotional numbness, disconnection from others, hopelessness, and intense sadness, which are also key indicators of depression. Another condition that is strongly associated with PTSD is anxiety disorder. Your constant state of hyperarousal can lead to generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder, which can make it difficult for you to feel safe in everyday situations.
In addition, some people with PTSD also experience symptoms of substance abuse or addiction, as well as borderline personality disorder.
PTSD Treatment
Therapies remain a standard treatment for PTSD. Specifically, mental health professionals are using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to process traumatic memories using various bilateral movements or stimulations. Another technique is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which aims to identify and replace negative thoughts that are associated with trauma. CBT also teaches you some tools so you can deal with triggers effectively.
In some cases, medications may be prescribed, such as antidepressants, to help you manage depressive and anxiety-related symptoms that are associated with PTSD.
Get Help and Reclaim Your Mental Health
If PTSD is weighing you down, let today be the day you take one step toward your recovery. We believe you are stronger than you know, and support awaits you.
While PTSD can feel like a dark cloud that never lifts, remember that healing is possible, at Luxe Recovery, our dedicated professionals understand what you’re going through and can help you find a path forward.
You deserve a life that isn’t ruled by your past.
