Individuals suffering from post traumatic stress disorder

Understanding post-traumatic stress reactions can help you reach out to survivors of trauma.

Individuals suffering from post traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress (PTS) reactions are normal reactions to a traumatic incident, and they usually diminish and disappear within a few weeks. Most people who have been exposed to a traumatic incident — such as a road traffic accident, work-related accident, physical assault or mass disaster — experience post-traumatic stress reactions.

Common Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Some reactions that can occur after traumatic events include:

  • Upsetting thoughts, memories, or dreams about the event
  • Acting or feeling as though the event was happening again
  • Feeling upset by reminders of the event 
  • Bodily reactions — such as fast heartbeat, churning stomach, sweatiness, dizziness — when reminded of the event
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Irritability or outbursts of anger
  • Difficulty concentrating 
  • Heightened awareness of potential dangers to yourself and others 
  • Being unusually jumpy or getting startled easily at something unexpected

Support for Someone with Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

The post-traumatic stress sufferer may be reluctant to seek professional help, but this could be beneficial, and the doctor may recommend speaking to a trauma counsellor for support.


Caregivers and loved ones of an individual who has experienced a traumatic event can play an important role in the recovery process, as they are in a position to recognise post-traumatic stress reactions early and provide the necessary support. Studies have shown that early intervention following a traumatic event can help reduce the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.


Although post-traumatic stress reactions can be distressing, some individuals have experienced positive psychological changes, including having a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in life. Researchers have a growing interest in this area of post-traumatic growth. These distressing reactions and positive changes can collaboratively aid in one’s recovery after a traumatic event.

What to Do if Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions Don’t Taper Off

While post-traumatic stress reactions usually taper off within a few weeks of the traumatic incident, some people may continue to experience post-traumatic stress reactions, and these can worsen over time. Specifically, the emotional reactions can become so intense that they impair the person’s functioning.

Therefore, if a person continues to experience post-traumatic stress reactions for more than a month, it is recommended that he/she should consult the family doctor or seek psychiatric help as he/she may be at high risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Counsellors and other mental health professionals may also assist the affected person by making appropriate referrals to a psychiatrist if the post-traumatic stress reactions persist and medication is needed. Psychological medicine services are available in most hospitals.

Download the HealthHub app on Google Play or Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.


Read these next:

  • ​Depression​
  • How To Identify And Deal With Depression​
  • Signs of Stress: Could Stress Be Good for You?

This article was last reviewed on Tuesday, April 6, 2021

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Terms in this set (16)

Need for ________ refers to maintaining positive relationships with others.

affiliation

________ proposed the hierarchy of needs.

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According to your reading, nearly ________ of the adult population in the United States can be classified as obese.

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In order to be classified as morbidly obese, an adult must have a BMI of ________.

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During the ________ phase of the sexual response cycle, individuals experience rhythmic contractions of the pelvis that are accompanied by uterine contractions in women and ejaculation in men.

orgasm

Which of the following findings was not a result of the Kinsey study?

Sexual desire and sexual ability can be separate functions.

If someone is uncomfortable identifying with the gender normally associated with their biological sex, then he could be classified as experiencing ________.

gender dysphoria

Individuals suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder have been shown to have reduced volumes of the ________.

hippocampus

According to the ________ theory of emotion, emotional experiences arise from physiological arousal.

James-Lange

Which of the following is not one of the seven universal emotions described in this chapter?

melancholy

Which of the following theories of emotion would suggest that polygraphs should be quite accurate at differentiating one emotion from another?

James-Lange theory

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What is the post traumatic stress disorder?

Overview. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it.

What are 5 symptoms that PTSD patients experience?

Changes in physical and emotional reactions.
Being easily startled or frightened..
Always being on guard for danger..
Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast..
Trouble sleeping..
Trouble concentrating..
Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior..
Overwhelming guilt or shame..

How does PTSD affect a persons everyday life?

PTSD can affect a person's ability to work, perform day-to-day activities or relate to their family and friends. A person with PTSD can often seem uninterested or distant as they try not to think or feel in order to block out painful memories.

Who are the main victims of PTSD?

Combat veterans or civilians exposed to war. People who have learned of or experienced an unexpected and sudden death of a friend or relative. Emergency responders who help victims during traumatic events. Children who are neglected and/or abused (physically, sexually or verbally).