Mental Health Conditions

PTSD

What causes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in response to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma is a subjective experience, and individuals respond to similar events in different ways.

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Factors in the Development of PTSD

Traumatic event

The primary factor that causes PTSD is exposure to a traumatic event. This could include experiences such as physical or sexual assault, combat exposure, natural disasters, accidents, sudden loss of a loved one, or any event that involves the threat of injury or death.

Severity of trauma

The severity of the trauma can play a role. More severe and life-threatening events are more likely to lead to the development of PTSD.

Personal vulnerability

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to developing PTSD due to their personal characteristics, such as genetics, personality traits, and coping mechanisms. People with a history of mental health issues or a family history of mental disorders might be at higher risk.

Lack of social support

A lack of supportive social networks or a lack of access to resources that help individuals cope with and recover from trauma can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD.

Previous trauma

If someone has experienced multiple traumatic events in their life, the cumulative effect can increase the risk of developing PTSD.

Biological factors

Neurobiological factors, such as the body’s stress response system, can also influence the development of PTSD. Changes in brain structure and function, as well as the body’s regulation of stress hormones, may contribute to the disorder.

Coping strategies

How an individual copes with the aftermath of a traumatic event can impact the development of PTSD. Avoidance of reminders of the trauma and not seeking help or support can potentially prolong the distress and increase the risk of PTSD.

Duration and intensity of symptoms

If an individual experiences intense and persistent symptoms like intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and heightened anxiety that interfere with daily functioning, the likelihood of a PTSD diagnosis increases.

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Many people experience stress and distress following a traumatic event, but those symptoms typically decrease over time. However, if the symptoms persist and significantly impact your life, seeking help from a mental health professional is important.

What are Symptoms of PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can manifest through a range of symptoms that are typically grouped into four main categories: re-experiencing, avoidance, negative changes in cognition and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity. It’s important to note that not everyone with PTSD will experience all of these symptoms, and their severity can vary.

Re-experiencing Symptoms

  • Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event.
  • Nightmares related to the trauma.
  • Flashbacks, where the person feels as if they are reliving the traumatic event.
  • Intense psychological or physiological distress when exposed to cues that remind them of the trauma.

Avoidance Symptoms

  • Avoiding reminders or triggers associated with the traumatic event, such as people, places, activities, or conversations.
  • Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations related to the trauma.
  • A general sense of emotional numbness and detachment from others.

Negative Changes in Cognition and Mood

  • Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am a failure," "The world is a dangerous place").
  • Persistent distorted blame of oneself or others for causing the trauma or its consequences.
  • Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or anger.
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
  • Feeling emotionally distant from loved ones.
  • Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.

Changes in Arousal and Reactivity

  • Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.
  • Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
  • Hypervigilance, always being on the lookout for danger.
  • Exaggerated startle response.
  • Problems with concentration and sleep disturbances.

How We Can Help

PTSD:

Integrative Psychiatry

Learn more about our comprehensive diagnostic process and whole-person approach to wellness, incorporating psychiatry, medications, exercise, and nutrition to restore health of the body and brain. 

Functional Labs

Learn more on how we investigate underlying causes that may effect mental wellness, from nutritional deficiencies and microbiome health, to mitochondrial function and immune dysfunction. 

Functional Medicine

Learn more about our individualized, patient-centered approach to treatment that focuses on balancing the body’s biology and systems by treating any underlying causes contributing to anxiety and depression.

Genetic Testing

Learn more about how we use genetic testing to analyze clinically important genetic variations that could impact the way you metabolize and respond to certain nutrients and medications.

Medication Management

From antidepressants to anxiolytics, learn more about how we incorporate prescription medications, vitamins, nutrition, and exercise to develop a personalized, complete treatment plan. 

Talk Therapy

Learn more about our supportive and compassionate approach to talk therapy, where we strive for you to feel valued, understood, and hopeful throughout your journey to healing and whole-health.

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