Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs in some people after a traumatic event. The most common cause of PTSD is the unexpected death of a loved one, although there are many possible causes, such as sexual assault, war, physical aggression, natural disasters, or road accidents. People may develop PTSD after experiencing trauma themselves, witnessing trauma, or even learning about trauma affecting a close relative or friend.

The symptoms of PTSD can be divided into four main types:

Re-experiencing the trauma

Recurring memories, nightmares, and flashbacks of the traumatic experience.

Avoidance symptoms

Avoiding thoughts, feelings, objects, people, or places associated with the trauma.

Negative thoughts and emotions

Excessively negative beliefs about oneself or the world, shame or guilt, reduced emotional range, feelings of detachment, and difficulty remembering details of the trauma.

Changes in arousal or emotional responses

Irritability, heightened vigilance, reckless behavior, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.

The treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder can help regain control over the affected individual's life. The primary treatment is psychotherapy, but it may also include medication.

Several types of psychotherapy can be used to treat both children and adults with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, body-oriented therapy, hypnotherapy, art therapy.