Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
It is a mental stress disorder which is stimulated by an any traumatic event which is experienced by the patient or witnessing it. Signs and symptoms range from mild to severe. Post-traumatic stress disorder can be treated with effective and prompt treatment.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include:
- Emotional distress
- Recurrent flashback of that event
- Nightmares
- Hysteric attacks
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Lack of appetite
- Isolation
Causes
The exact cause of this condition is unknown but following causes may be involved:
- Hormonal disturbances in brain
- Experience of stressful situation
- Inherited mental problems like depression and anxiety
- Inherited personality disorder
Complications
If left untreated it may cause the following complications:
- Suicidal actions
- Depression
- Recurrent anxiety attacks
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug’s misuse
- Eating disorder
- Lack of concentration
Diagnosis
After taking history your doctor might recommend the following tests for diagnosis:
- General physical examination to rule out any other cause
- Lab tests to check thyroid function and any other abnormality in other hormones
- DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
- Psychological counselling to rule out the other mental illness
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the type and severity of mental illness. Treatment options include:
- Medications like antidepressants, mood stabilizing medications and anti-psychotic drugs will help to reduce the anxiety and depression.
- Psychotherapy provides immense help in reducing the signs and symptoms.
- Electro convulsion therapy sometimes used in the depressive disorders.