A traumatic experience can create emotions of immense dread and lack of control, which can develop into post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition characterized by ongoing symptoms of fear, anxiety, and other stress reactions that can impair daily living.
A traumatic incident affects at least 32 per cent of persons in the world at some point in their lives. The greater the severity of the trauma or the more directly it affects, the greater the chance of getting PTSD subsequently.
PTSD affects around 4% of males and 10% of women who have experienced trauma. Both men and women who suffer from PTSD are more prone to have physical health issues. PTSD may strike at any age.
Those who have been impacted by one potentially traumatic occurrence are more likely to be affected by other potentially traumatic experiences.
Despite being exposed to fewer stressful incidents in their lives than males, women have a greater lifetime risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition to gender differences in rape and sexual assault rates, including greater exposure to intimate partner violence, the preponderance of PTSD in women may be due to factors other than trauma types, such as stress hormone awareness of responding to adverse experiences, intrinsic neuroendocrine factors, subjective interpretation of the event and peritraumatic dissociation.
Women with PTSD may have a higher symptom load, a longer course of the disease, and poorer quality-of-life outcomes than males.
A growing understanding of the psychobiological changes that occur in PTSD is giving impetus to the development of better pharmaceutical and psychological treatment options.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder might occur within one month following a stressful experience, but they can also appear years later. These symptoms produce substantial challenges in social or occupational settings, as well as in relationships. They can also impair your capacity to carry out your routine everyday responsibilities.
PTSD symptoms are divided into four categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, unfavourable changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms may change over time or from person to person.
Consult a doctor before it’s too late.
If you’ve had worrisome thoughts and feelings about a traumatic incident for more than a month, if they’re intense, or if you’re having difficulties regaining control of your life, speak with your doctor or a mental health expert. Getting therapy as soon as feasible will help avoid the worsening of PTSD symptoms.
