PTSD was included in a new category in DSM-5, Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. All conditions included in this classification require exposure to a traumatic or stressful event as a diagnostic criterion.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem you may develop after experiencing traumatic events. The condition was first recognised in war veterans.
People who experience traumatic events or who have PTSD 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.
PTSD is classified as a trauma and stress-related disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Previously, it was considered to be one of the major types of anxiety disorders. PTSD can co-occur with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Diagnostic Classification of PTSD
Considerable research has demonstrated that PTSD entails multiple emotions (e.g., guilt, shame, anger) outside of the fear/anxiety spectrum [13,14], thus providing evidence inconsistent with inclusion of PTSD with the anxiety disorders.
Panic disorder and PTSD are two distinct medical conditions. A Veteran can suffer from panic attacks without having PTSD or be diagnosed with PTSD without having a panic disorder.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is no longer classified as an anxiety disorder. It has now been recategorized as a trauma and stressor-related disorder, in recognition of the specific and unique circumstances that provoke the onset of the condition.
As with most mental illnesses, PTSD isn't curable — but people with the condition can improve significantly and see their symptoms resolved.
Women with PTSD may be more likely than men with PTSD to: Be easily startled. Have more trouble feeling emotions or feel numb. Avoid things that remind them of the trauma.
People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.
A person with PTSD has four main types of difficulties: Re-living the traumatic event through unwanted and recurring memories, flashbacks or vivid nightmares. There may be intense emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the event including sweating, heart palpitations, anxiety or panic.
People can have PTSD even though they do not recall the experience that triggered the problem. As a result, such people may live with PTSD for years without realizing it.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT):
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that has consistently been found to be the most effective treatment of PTSD both in the short term and the long term. CBT for PTSD is trauma-focused, meaning the trauma event(s) are the center of the treatment.
There are four medications currently recommended as first-choice options to treat PTSD. Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine) are FDA approved to treat PTSD. But Prozac (fluoxetine) and Effexor XR (venlafaxine) are also good first-choice options, even though they're not officially approved for PTSD.
People who experience traumatic events or who have PTSD may also 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 essential part of recovery.
People with GAD often have a long and consistent history of anxiety across a wide variety of circumstances and situations. People with PTSD, on the other hand, often find an intense experience of anxiety and related symptoms in response to a major life event.
Reliving aspects of what happened
vivid flashbacks (feeling like the trauma is happening right now) intrusive thoughts or images. nightmares. intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma.
Remember: PTSD is a normal response to abnormal circumstances. It's common for people with PTSD to isolate themselves. You may feel overwhelmed or unsafe in groups, quick to anger, misunderstood, or just uninterested in being around people.
People with PTSD stay in that “fight or flight” mode – leading to an inability to relax and participate fully in life. PTSD can make it difficult to trust others, and survivors may feel numb and distant from other people. Interest in social activities can be affected. Social withdrawal and isolation may occur.
Mood Disorders Are Not Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety does affect the mood, but it cannot be considered as a mood disorder. The simple reason being, anxiety affects an individual's mood, but is not directly related to mood. Anxiety can lead to the development of feelings like hopelessness, fear and several other emotions.
PTSD is associated with a sudden rush of fear or anxiety. However, those who have the disorder must often cope with vague, persistent feelings of anxiety that follow them everywhere.
These include bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, hypomania, major depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. These are common psychiatric disorders leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality.
While changes in mood may feel unrelated to PTSD, dramatic shifts in attitude and feelings are telltale signs of trauma. Someone struggling with PTSD may feel fine one moment and horrible the next. Others may find themselves suddenly overcome by paranoia or suspicion.