Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs in people who have experienced or witnessed extremely traumatic events, such as physical or sexual violence, natural disasters, serious car accidents, or any other situation that the person perceives as deeply traumatic, notes Dr. Mayra Cecilia Martínez Mallén, adult psychiatrist at ABC Medical Center.
Someone with PTSD may experience anxiety, sadness, fear, feelings of guilt, irritability, and outbursts of anger, all of which are considered normal responses to this type of disorder following a traumatic event.
Symptoms of PTSD generally fall into four categories:
- Reliving the traumatic event: this happens through intrusive, recurring, and involuntary thoughts that cause significant distress. Flashbacks or nightmares related to the event can also occur.
- Avoidance: the person tends to avoid, or tries to avoid, anything that reminds them of the event, including certain objects, people, situations, activities, or conversations.
- Negative changes in mood and thinking: both thoughts and behaviors can be affected, resulting in fear, guilt, and negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world in general. The person may also feel emotionally numb and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, as well as have difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
- Heightened arousal and reactivity: people may feel more on edge, hypervigilant, easily startled, prone to anger outbursts, irritable, and may engage in self-destructive behaviors, have trouble concentrating, or experience sleep disturbances.
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event and are noticing one or more of these symptoms, or know someone who is, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional to work together toward the best possible treatment.
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
