Veterans, combat exposure and non-honorable discharge status are associated with increased risk for PTSD. Other risks include lower educational level and a history of depression. The prevalence of PTSD in veterans symptoms tends to rise right after the war but can decrease over time.
Some treatments that have been shown to be effective for PTSD include trauma-focused psychotherapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy. These treatments involve weekly appointments and a commitment to practice skills outside of these sessions.
Prevalence
PTSD can develop in military veterans who witness or experience terrorist attacks, natural disasters, violent crime and personal assaults. It can also result from an accident or the unexpected death of a loved one. It usually occurs after the traumatic event but may occur later as the person tries to make sense of what happened and begins thinking about it more often or becomes emotional about the events.
People who have PTSD can have intrusive thoughts about the trauma, avoidance of situations that might trigger it and negative changes in their mood or perceptions that make it difficult to function normally. They can also develop sleep disorders, reckless behavior and substance abuse.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD include distressing dreams, persistent thoughts or flashbacks about the event, numbing or avoidance of people, places and things associated with the trauma, heightened reactivity or hyper-arousal (being constantly “on edge”), difficulty sleeping, anger outbursts, trouble concentrating and losing interest in hobbies. Many of these symptoms can be relieved with psychoeducation (learning about PTSD and what maintains it), psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and medication.
Symptoms of PTSD can make you seem different from the person you were before your military service, and they may cause you to have trouble trusting others or feeling love. PTSD can also cause you to abuse alcohol and drugs, especially in an attempt to numb feelings or to get more sleep. Those problems can worsen the PTSD symptoms, so it is important to get help for substance abuse and PTSD. You can find help and support from VA, community health centers, peer groups, and friends and family.
Treatment
A number of different treatments for PTSD exist, including antidepressants, psychotherapy and exposure therapy. The type of treatment that is right for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your unique experiences. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for you.
A therapist can teach you skills to manage the negative thoughts and feelings that often accompany PTSD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you recognize and replace negative thinking patterns that lead to PTSD symptoms.
Other types of psychotherapy for PTSD include exposure therapy, which involves confronting feared objects, activities or situations under the guidance of your therapist; and rumination reduction training (RRM), an emerging form of exposure therapy that involves a therapist using visualization to help you separate traumatic memories from traumatic feelings. Lifestyle changes can also help: Spending more time with family, practicing mindfulness, exercising, eating healthy and avoiding alcohol and drugs all can reduce PTSD symptoms. Strong Star, a south Texas-based research organization, offers clinical trials to veterans who suffer from PTSD and other mental health disorders.
Prevention
PTSD can be prevented by seeking help after traumatic events. Those who experience post-traumatic stress disorder can benefit from trauma-focused psychotherapy, medication, as well as complementary and integrative therapies such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, and expressive arts therapy. Practicing these techniques can lower stress and increase feelings of connection and trust, which are correlated with a decreased risk for PTSD.
The type of trauma experienced can also influence a person’s likelihood of developing PTSD. For example, the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) acknowledges that it’s not necessary to be directly attacked or injured to develop PTSD.
Other risk factors for PTSD include having a low level of education, being female, and experiencing depression. In addition, a lack of social support can be associated with a higher likelihood of PTSD. People who have a history of sexual abuse may be more likely to develop the disorder as well.