About 8 million people have PTSD during a given year. 60% of all men experience at least one trauma in their life. Compared to 50% of women. One of the differences in the 60% and the 50% is women or more likely to seek treatment for their trauma.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not just a problem for war veterans. This is a problem that a lot of men deal with.
What is PTSD?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a feeling of stress, shock, or danger that occurs after a traumatic event. These feelings remain even when the person is not in danger.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
Intrusive re-experincing of a trauma:
The thoughts are reimagined and replayed with intense detail. The person may become tense or frightened when they think if the trauma. Some people may stop themselves from remembering the event all together.
Increased Arousal & Cognitive issues:
The person may suffer from insomnia. Have angry outbursts and be unable to rest. The person may have a change in sex patterns, social interactions, appetite, and activity.
They may have nightmares. They may have memory issues and poor concentration.
Physical symptoms:
PTSD may present as physical issues. The person may have tremors, sweating, increased heart rate, dizziness, and have a increased blood pressure.
Who is at risk for having PTSD?
Unfortunately there are a lot of traumas that can lead to PTSD.
Surviving a Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes)
Motor vehicle accident or transportation accident
Physical assault
Sexual assault or rape
House fires
Being kidnapped
Surviving an illness or disease
Sudden death of a loved one
And many more
What are your treatment options?
The main options for treatment of PTSD is therapy. It is vital if you think you are suffering from PTSD that you talk to a mental health professional. Talking to someone who has no connection to you or the event can allow yourself to become truthfuk and show emotions.
The mental health provider will always evaluate you for suicide first. They want to ensure that you are not a risk to yourself because living with PTSD can be stressful.
Psychotherapy is the first line treatment for PTSD because it offers the beat results and has the longest lasting effects.
Your provider may try medications if needed. There goal should be to use the medications as an add on to psychotherapy. They should let you know that the goal is to be able to live without the need of medications.
If medications are needed antidepressants have the best evidence of success. They may place you on a SSRI or SNRI.
Other medications that may be helpful for PTSD are
Nightmares caused by trauma: Minipress
Flashbacka or intense memories: Propanolol
Hallucinations: Zyprexa
Hyperarousal: Buspar
Here is a resource if you are someone you know is suffering from PTSD.
Screening tool for PTSD
screening.mhanational.org/acreening-tools/ptsd