Why does ptsd affect some and not others

Younger children can express distress in a different way. For example, they may re-live the traumatic event through repetitive play rather than having unwanted memories of the event during the day. Many children have frightening dreams without recognisable content rather than nightmares that replay the traumatic event.

Children may also lose interest in play, become socially withdrawn, or have extreme temper tantrums. Other problems that can develop alongside PTSD include anxiety or depression , defiant behaviour, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , and in teenagers and young adults, suicidal thoughts and alcohol or drug use. A person with PTSD can often seem disinterested or distant as they try not to think or feel in order to block out painful memories.

They may stop them from participating in family life or ignore offers of help. This can lead to loved ones feeling shut out. It is important to remember that these behaviours are part of the problem.

People with PTSD need the support of family and friends, but may not think that they need help. It is not unusual for people with PTSD to experience other mental health problems at the same time. In fact, up to 80 per cent of people who have long-standing PTSD develop additional problems - most commonly depression , anxiety , and alcohol or other substance misuse. These may have developed directly in response to the traumatic event or have developed sometime after the onset of PTSD.

People commonly use alcohol or other drugs to blunt the emotional pain that they are experiencing. Alcohol and drugs may help block out painful memories in the short term, but they can get in the way of a successful recovery.

Many people experience some of the symptoms of PTSD in the first two weeks after a traumatic event, but most recover on their own or with the help of family and friends. For this reason, formal treatment for PTSD does not usually start for at least two or more weeks after a traumatic experience. It is important during the first few days and weeks after a traumatic event to get whatever help is needed.

This may include accessing information, people and resources that can help you to recover. Support from family and friends may be all that is needed. Otherwise, a doctor is the best place to start to get further help. If you are still experiencing problems after two weeks, a doctor or mental health professional may discuss starting treatment.

Effective treatments are available. Most involve psychological treatment such as counselling, but medication can also be helpful. The cornerstone of treatment for PTSD involves confronting the traumatic memory and working through thoughts and beliefs associated with the experience.

Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic incident, but they sometimes emerge later. To meet the criteria for PTSD, symptoms must last longer than 1 month, and they must be severe enough to interfere with aspects of daily life, such as relationships or work. The symptoms also must be unrelated to medication, substance use, or other illness. The course of the illness varies: Although some people recover within 6 months, others have symptoms that last for a year or longer.

People with PTSD often have co-occurring conditions, such as depression, substance use, or one or more anxiety disorders. After a dangerous event, it is natural to have some symptoms or even to feel detached from the experience, as though you are observing things rather than experiencing them. A health care provider—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker—who has experience helping people with mental illnesses can determine whether symptoms meet the criteria for PTSD. To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:.

Thoughts and feelings can trigger these symptoms, as can words, objects, or situations that are reminders of the event. Avoidance symptoms may cause people to change their routines. For example, after a serious car accident, a person may avoid driving or riding in a car. Arousal symptoms are often present—they can lead to feelings of stress and anger and may interfere with parts of daily life, such as sleeping, eating, or concentrating.

Cognition and mood symptoms can begin or worsen after the traumatic event and can lead a person to feel detached from friends or family members. Children and teens can have extreme reactions to trauma, but their symptoms may not be the same as those seen in adults.

In young children under the age of 6, symptoms can include:. Older children and teens usually show symptoms more like those seen in adults. They also may develop disruptive, disrespectful, or destructive behaviors. Older children and teens may feel guilty for not preventing injury or deaths. They also may have thoughts of revenge. Not everyone who lives through a dangerous event develops PTSD—many factors play a part. Some of these factors are present before the trauma; others become important during and after a traumatic event.

The main treatments are psychotherapy, medications, or both. An experienced mental health professional can help people find the treatment plan that meets their symptoms and needs. Some people with PTSD may be living through an ongoing trauma, such as being in an abusive relationship. In these cases, treatment is usually most effective when it addresses both the traumatic situation and the symptoms. People who have PTSD or who are exposed to trauma also may experience panic disorder, depression, substance use, or suicidal thoughts.

Treatment for these conditions can help with recovery after trauma. Research shows that support from family and friends also can be an important part of recovery.

Psychotherapy can provide support, education, and guidance to people with PTSD and their families. This type of treatment can occur one on one or in a group and usually lasts 6 to 12 weeks but can last longer.

Some types of psychotherapy target PTSD symptoms, and others focus on social, family, or job-related problems. Effective psychotherapies tend to emphasize a few key components, including learning skills to help identify triggers and manage symptoms. One common type of psychotherapy, called cognitive behavioral therapy, can include exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring.

For those battling substance abuse as well, a dual diagnosis rehab in California is the best choice. Awakenings Treatment Center is a trauma treatment center that offers holistic treatment for PTSD, substance abuse, and other mental health conditions.

Treatment takes place in our safe, supportive outpatient rehab facility. Contact us today to start your healing from past traumas. Suite Agoura Hills, CA Schedule An Appointment. Call Awakenings Treatment Center today for a complimentary confidential assessment. View Insurance Options.