Introduction
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an interesting topic for discussion. It is a condition that develops after a traumatic experience and has various clinical manifestations. Such events could create certain psychological patterns that are not easily resolved. It happens because a person could have felt hopeless during an accident, and the danger to life could also be present. It is paramount to understand the significance of the assessment of this condition.
Triggers
Military combat is considered to be one of the leading causes of the development of this condition. Some events on the battlefield are often intense, require incredible concentration, and there is enormous emotional pressure. Natural disasters are also traumatic most of the time because a person cannot control the situation, they are not expected, and casualties are common. Sexual violence is one of the leading causes of this condition. Such events often damage self-perception and are very humiliating. Victims are anxious about the opinions of society, and they are afraid that their life may be ruined. It is imperative to note that women have an increased chance of developing PTSD because of biological differences (Adams & Boscarino, 2006). Terroristic acts also often trigger this condition. It is paramount to address the fact that there are some predisposing factors such as family history, mental problems, and others
Clinical Manifestations
The biggest issue is that some of the symptoms often remain, and it causes numerous problems in everyday life. The presence of flashbacks is viewed as one of the primary symptoms of this condition. Bad dreams are also quite common among those who suffer from PTSD. It is important to learn how not to focus on traumatic events, and switch on something else when one remembers something from his or her past. Patients often avoid any activities or objects that would remind them of the traumatic experience. Partial amnesia is also one of the symptoms, and patients are exhausted because of all the stress and depression. Those who suffer from this condition have a reduced capability for mental and physical work. They are easily irritated, and their creativeness is also often limited. It is paramount to say that they are more likely to become addicted to drugs, and alcoholism is also viewed as one of the ways to escape the problems. However, intoxication may cause numerous severe complications. The assessment of the patient’s safety is crucial because some cannot control their actions and may cause harm to themselves and the people that surround them. The feeling of guilt is one of the most dangerous symptoms because it leads to suicidal thoughts and behavior. It is especially troublesome if a person observes a death of an individual that he or she has known. Such images stay in the minds of the sufferers forever, and it is hard to get rid of bad memories. Thoughts about traumatic events overwhelm an individual, and they think about how it could have been prevented (DeAngelis, 2008).
Treatment and Therapies
One of the most critical factors that should be considered before the treatment is the severity of the condition of the patient. Some pharmaceutical options are available, but their effectiveness is rather not significant. Antidepressants are often prescribed as the first-line treatment for PTSD. Fluoxetine is one of the medicines, and the recommended dosage is 20-60 mg. Paroxetine and Sertraline are also quite similar in their effectiveness, and they help to reduce symptoms among patients that suffer from different kinds of trauma. Venlafaxine may be viewed as another possible treatment option depending on the condition of the patient. Topiramate is the only anticonvulsant that is efficient according to the studies (Todd, Anna, & Christal, 2014). Psychotherapies are often considered, and numerous studies have proven their effectiveness. Prolonged exposure therapy is a unique approach to treatment that addresses the fears of an individual. It is a gradual and stable process that will help a patient to view the situation from a different and rational perspective, and most understand that there is no need to avoid certain situations. Cognitive processing therapy may also be considered an effective method of treatment. The primary objective of this approach is to address incorrect thoughts that are related to events that have induced PTSD. There must be individual and group techniques because the preferences of the patient should also be taken into account. Also, a professional should address problems and situations that may occur in everyday life because those who suffer from this condition may have issues with work and relatives. Some other problems that are associated with PTSD are also present, and they should be addressed because comorbidities are particularly risky (Benedek, Friedman, Zatzick, & Ursano, 2009). The family should be involved in the treatment because support is crucial for successful recovery. Overall, it is imperative to monitor the condition of the patient to make sure that there are no complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a necessity for further research on this condition because there are numerous instances of misdiagnosis, and treatment options should be improved. The biggest problem is that this condition is still not fully understood and should be studied. Nevertheless, new technologies are always developing, new therapies are introduced each year, and current ones are being improved.
References
Adams, R., & Boscarino, J. (2006). Predictors of PTSD and delayed PTSD after a disaster. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 194(7), 485-493.
Benedek, D., Friedman, M., Zatzick, D., & Ursano, R. (2009). Guideline Watch (March 2009): Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. FOC, 7(2), 204-213.
DeAngelis, T. (2008). PTSD treatments grow in evidence, effectiveness. Monitor on Psychology, 39(1), 40.
Todd, S., Anna, B., & Christal, D. (2014). Treatment of PTSD and chronic daily headache. Current Treatment Options in Neurology, 16(10), 1-14.