Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health disorder that arises following exposure to a traumatic event. This could involve things like natural disasters, being involved in a serious accident, witnessing armed combat, being the victim of physical or sexual assault, or being exposed to a life-threatening situation, such as assault in a workplace. How PTSD affects people varies, but typical symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, hyperarousal, and attacks of guilt, shame, or anger.
PTSD is a terrible condition, but it will not define you; there is treatment available and support networks throughout the UK and beyond to allow you to overcome PTSD and live a full life.
What Causes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Genetic, biological, and environmental risk factors are associated with the development of PTSD. Of course, it is worth noting that not everyone who is traumatised will meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. Individual resilience and coping mechanisms also are huge.
Some common triggers of PTSD are:
- Exposure to trauma – the single most important risk factor is exposure to, but not limited to, direct experiences or witnessing trauma.
- Genetics: There may be some genetic risk factors that make a person more susceptible to developing PTSD.
- Brain chemistry: Altered brain function, specifically in regions that regulate stress (like the amygdala and hippocampus), can play a part in PTSD.
Those stressors could include: ongoing stress, lack of support after trauma, or a pre-existing mental health condition, all of which may also intensify the risk.
Symptoms of PTSD
Symptoms of PTSD might begin weeks, months, or even years after the traumatic incident. These are generally classified into four groups:
- Intrusive Memories
- Flashbacks: The sense that the traumatic event is happening again.
- Nightmares: Trauma-related dreams that are bothersome.
- Unwanted thoughts: Intrusive thoughts of the event all the time.
- Avoidance Behaviours
- Avoiding triggers: Staying away from places, people, or activities that are reminders of the trauma.
- Emotional numbing: This includes avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the trauma.
- Mood and Cognitive Deterioration
- Ongoing negative feelings: Guilt, shame, fear, or anger.
- Detachment: Feeling disconnected from other people or emotionally numb.
- Dysfunctional beliefs: Negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world (“It’s my fault” or “The world is unsafe”).
- Enhanced Arousal and Reactivity
- Hypervigilance: Having a short fuse or being jumpy.
- Anger/Irritability: Development of irritability aggravated by sudden displays of anger.
- Disturbed sleep: Either difficulty falling asleep or difficulty maintaining sleep (restless sleep).
The severity of symptoms can range, and they may ebb and flow, especially at times of increased stress.
Diagnosing PTSD
PTSD is diagnosed by a mental health professional who performs a complete evaluation. This typically includes:
- Extensive clinical interview: Inquiring about the patient’s trauma history, symptoms, and how the symptoms have affected their life.
- Consultation of medical or psychiatric history: To exclude other conditions which may have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety disorders.
- Standardised measurement instruments: Questionnaires and rating scales to assess the intensity of symptoms.
Symptoms of PTSD must have lasted for more than a month and cause distress or affect daily functioning to be considered for a diagnosis.
Treatment Options for PTSD
PTSD is treatable, and with the right help and support, recovery is possible. Treatment methods are typically tailored to the individual and may consist of a combination of approaches, including:
Counselling (Psychological or Talking Therapies)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Particularly trauma-focused CBT, which helps individuals process traumatic memories and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Aims to decrease fear and avoidance by gradually confronting trauma-related thoughts and situations.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses guided eye movements to help reprocess traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress.
Medications
- Antidepressants: Such as SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine) to treat anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.
- Anti-anxiety drugs: For short-term relief from severe anxiety.
Group Therapy and Support Groups
A safe space where those who have experienced similar trauma can connect and share their experiences, fostering understanding and community.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Mindfulness practices, including meditation, help individuals manage stress, stay present, and reduce anxiety.
Family Therapy
Helps family members understand PTSD, improve communication, and learn supportive strategies.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Some people, especially those who have endured prolonged or repeated trauma (such as childhood abuse or domestic violence), develop Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Unlike PTSD, C-PTSD symptoms often include:
- Emotional dysregulation: Intense, uncontrollable emotions.
- Dysfunctional self-perception: Persistent feelings of worthlessness, shame, or guilt.
- Relational difficulties: Struggles with trust, relationships, or feeling disconnected from others.
Treatment for C-PTSD is often longer-term, focusing on emotional resilience, relational skills, and trauma processing.
Living with PTSD: Hope and Recovery
Though PTSD can feel isolating, you are not alone. Recovery is possible. With the right treatment and support, many people with PTSD regain safety, stability, and fulfilment. Early intervention improves outcomes, but even long-standing PTSD can improve with proper care.
If you or someone you know is experiencing PTSD symptoms, help is available. The mental health team at Chase Lodge Hospital offers compassionate, expert support.
👉 Schedule an appointment with our specialists for personalised therapy today.
