A person develops posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a response to an experience or event that involves physical injury or extreme mental or emotional stress, such as military combat, assault, or a natural disaster. Some people who experience this kind of stress can learn to cope with the symptoms of PTSD on their own. However, others can struggle with the effects of trauma for a long time. In these cases, professional help may be necessary to treat disruptive symptoms and help the person heal.
Symptoms of PTSD can include intense fear, sadness, and worry that can interfere with the ability to live a satisfying life. It may be a relief to know that PTSD can be effectively treated by knowledgeable mental health professionals who can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and improve your well-being.
Causes of & Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
People who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event can suffer from PTSD. While not everyone who experiences trauma has PTSD, there are several risk factors for developing the disorder, including:
- Severity of the trauma: The more severe and intense the traumatic event is, the higher the risk is for developing PTSD. Traumatic events can include physical or sexual assault, combat, shocking life changes, and serious accidents.
- Lack of social network: A lack of support or social isolation can increase the risk for PTSD.
- Prior traumatic experiences: If a person has experienced earlier traumas, they may be more likely to develop PTSD due to the combined effect of trauma or the reactivation of previous traumatic memories.
- Co-occurring mental health concerns: People who have preexisting or co-occurring mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, are at a higher risk for developing PTSD following a traumatic event.
- Neurobiological factors: Research suggests that certain neurobiological factors may increase vulnerability to posttraumatic stress disorder.
The development of PTSD can be influenced by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. While these risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD, they do not guarantee it. Additionally, people who don’t have risk factors for PTSD can still develop it after trauma.
No matter what causes a person to develop posttraumatic stress disorder, it is important to remember that treatment is available. A mental health professional can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and work toward lifelong healing.
Signs & Symptoms of PTSD
Those who struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder can experience a variety of symptoms. The first signs of PTSD typically begin within three months of the traumatic event but can also appear years later. Symptoms of PTSD can be grouped into four main categories: reexperiencing, avoidance, negative mood and cognition, and alertness.
Reexperiencing PTSD symptoms can include:
- Recurrent memories of the traumatic event
- Flashbacks, or reliving the trauma as if it were happening again
- Distressing nightmares related to the trauma
- Invasive, fearful thoughts or images related to the event
Common avoidance posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms include:
- Avoiding triggers that remind a person of the traumatic event
- Staying away from places, activities, or people who may bring back memories of the trauma
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Difficulty remembering aspects of the traumatic event
Negative mood and cognition symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Negative beliefs or thoughts about oneself, others, or the world
- Persistent negative emotional states, such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame
- Unpleasant emotions toward previously enjoyed activities
- Feelings of detachment from others
- Difficulty feeling positive emotions
Potential alertness symptoms of PTSD include:
- Hypervigilance or an increased state of alertness
- Feeling easily startled or on edge
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
- Problems with sleep, such as insomnia or restlessness
Not everyone who has PTSD has the same set of symptoms, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary. However, many combinations of these symptoms can significantly impair a person’s daily functioning and quality of life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms following a traumatic event, it is important to seek professional help from a mental health professional who can offer an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Statistics
The National Center for PTSD reports the following PTSD statistics:
- Approximately 13 million Americans suffered from PTSD in 2020.
- Around 8 out of every 100 women and 4 out of every 100 men will have PTSD at some point.
The American Psychiatric Association reports the following posttraumatic stress disorder statistics:
- Women are two times as likely as men to develop PTSD.
- Posttraumatic stress disorder affects U.S. African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans at higher rates than white and non-Latino Americans.
- For adolescents ages 13-18, the lifetime prevalence of PTSD is 8%.
- Around 1 in 11 people will struggle with PTSD in their lifetime.
- Approximately 3.5% of Americans suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder each year.
Effects of Untreated PTSD
Posttraumatic stress disorder can have significant and long-lasting effects on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Potential effects of untreated PTSD include:
- Development of co-occurring mental health concerns
- Substance abuse
- Emotional distress
- Shame
- Emotional numbness
- Relationship difficulties
- Occupational impairment
- Physical health problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Decreased quality of life
PTSD is a treatable condition, and seeking professional help at the right place can make a difference in managing and reducing these effects. Evidence-based therapy can help people who are struggling with PTSD have a better quality of life.
The Benefits of PTSD Treatment
Receiving treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder can result in several significant benefits. Common key advantages of PTSD treatment include:
- Symptom management: PTSD treatment can help patients learn how to manage symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, and negative moods.
- Better quality of life: Posttraumatic stress disorder treatment can help people regain control of their lives and increase their ability to participate fully in daily activities, work, and school.
- Emotional well-being: People who have PTSD commonly experience symptoms of emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, and shame. Treatment can help them develop healthier coping mechanisms, regulate emotions, and improve their overall well-being.
- Reduced risk for co-occurring disorders: Untreated PTSD can increase the risk for developing additional behavioral health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Treatment can minimize this risk and help address the symptoms of those co-occurring disorders.
- Improved relationships: PTSD can strain relationships with family members, friends, and intimate partners due to symptoms like emotional detachment, irritability, and social withdrawal. Receiving professional help can improve a person’s communication and emotion regulation skills, leading to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
- Developed coping skills: PTSD treatment can help people develop effective coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety related to trauma reminders.
- Long-term healing: Many people find long-term healing from posttraumatic stress disorder with appropriate professional care. While it may take time, dedication, and effort, therapy can provide the tools and support necessary for ongoing improvement and a better future.
When provided at an effective treatment center, evidence-based therapies can help people who are suffering from PTSD. Mental health professionals can assist in creating a customized treatment plan that reflects a person’s needs and preferences.
At Bronson Behavioral Health, people who have PTSD can find hope for healing with the help of an experienced team like ours.
Getting Help at Our Inpatient PTSD Treatment Center in Battle Creek
Located close to the downtown area of Battle Creek, Michigan, Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital provides clinically excellent inpatient treatment for those who are suffering from PTSD. We aim to provide superior services that promote your ongoing progress and improved well-being. Our patients can learn valuable skills to help them manage their PTSD symptoms, grow, and heal.
Advantages of receiving inpatient treatment at our PTSD treatment center can include:
- Intensive therapeutic environment: Our intensive inpatient center provides a structured therapeutic environment where you can focus solely on healing. If medication is part of your treatment plan, you can work with a psychiatrist and other behavioral health professionals daily. We also offer individual and family therapy as needed.
- Safety and stability: If you have severe PTSD symptoms, inpatient treatment offers a safe and secure environment with consistent supervision and monitoring. This care can provide a break from external stressors, triggers, and unsafe environments that may negatively affect your healing process.
- Multidisciplinary approach: Our inpatient treatment center features a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurses, and other specialists. Our collaborative approach can give us a better understanding of your diagnosis and needs.
- Peer support and connection: We offer daily group therapy sessions that can allow you to connect with peers and build a sense of belonging and community.
- Co-occurring disorder treatment: If you have more than one disorder, the team at our inpatient treatment center can skillfully address these co-occurring disorders together.
- Aftercare planning: We will develop an aftercare plan to help you transition back to your daily life. To ensure that you continue to build on the progress you make at our hospital, our staff can provide referrals to outpatient therapy, support groups, and community resources.
Choosing a place to get PTSD treatment is important and can even be life-changing. Posttraumatic stress disorder doesn’t have to continue restricting your life. With the support of the specialists at Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, you can build a foundation for a hopeful future.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital.
