What Are the Signs of PTSD?

As per the American Psychiatric Association, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about 3.5 percent of American adults. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that occurs in people who have experienced traumatic events. A person with PTSD may experience disturbing thoughts and feelings that take them back to when they encountered the traumatic event. In severe cases, they may also need a PTSD treatment program as part of their recovery.

One of the first signs of PTSD usually involves avoiding places or people that remind them of their trauma. It can be difficult to confront and move past the traumatic event. However, avoiding a problem will not make it go away. After a traumatic event, it is vital to seek treatment to prevent the disorder from escalating. If you or a loved one have experienced trauma, a PTSD rehab center such as Atlanta Center for Mental Health can help you process and move past your traumatic memories. To learn more about PTSD and your treatment options, call Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458.

Warning Signs of PTSD

A person with PTSD can go through mixed emotions, most of which relate to their traumatic experience. As a result, they may develop unusual behaviors such as anti-social tendencies and anger problems.

Below are some PTSD warning signs:

Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)

A person with PTSD can also experience some symptoms commonly present in patients with depression and may need to seek help from a depression treatment program. For example, they may develop negative thoughts about themself. These victims may also experience hopelessness about the future.

PTSD can cause a person to harm himself or others. In the course of their anger or fear, a person with PTSD can unknowingly harm others as a defense mechanism. For example, people with PTSD can sometimes lash out violently without intending to harm others.

Further, the person experiences abnormal changes in physical and emotional reactions. They get frightened easily, and because of that, they remain guarded. Such people have trouble concentrating because they think there is someone out to get them. Consequentially, they can exhibit further aggressive behavior.

Causes of PTSD

Like many mental health issues, doctors aren’t entirely sure why people get PTSD and why it will only affect some people who have experienced trauma. A combination of factors most likely contributes to PTSD, including:

A family history of mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression, which can cause inherited mental health risks
Pre-existing mental health conditions
Lack of a support system
Inherited personality features
How your body regulates hormones and responds to stress
Past traumatic experiences

However, the signs of PTSD generally come into light after a traumatic inciting incident. Some of the common causes of PTSD include physical or sexual assault. Such an experience can make the victim remain guarded for the rest of their lives, locking out friends, family, and loved ones. Another cause is serious accidents – accident victims can develop a fear of the respective vessels they were traveling in. For example, a car accident victim could develop a phobia for cars and road travel. Losing a child can also result in PTSD if the mother does not attend an individual therapy program. Finally, war veterans who undergo combat attacks can experience PTSD from the intensity of their experiences.

Therapies Used in PTSD Treatment Programs

PTSD is a mental health disorder that tampers with a person’s judgment. Atlanta Center for Mental Health can provide treatment once the signs of PTSD begin to show. Our PTSD rehab center is comfortable, and our supportive staff will work to accommodate your needs and build a healthy environment for your recovery.

Below are some of the treatment approaches used in a PTSD program:

Family therapy program: The therapy allows all the members of the family to help the ailing client. The family members can assist the patient if they experiences a traumatic episode.
Dual diagnosis treatment center: This form of therapy allows the therapist to incorporate treatments for other disorders resulting from PTSD, such as drug and alcohol abuse
Cognitive-behavioral therapy program: Also known as CBT, this program involves understanding a patient’s patterns and thoughts. It is possible to help patients with PTSD by changing how they think. This helps them recognize that most of the flashbacks they experience are not real.
Trauma therapy program: This involves helping the patient understand the root of the problem. The therapy helps them focus on the things that trigger their trauma for their benefit.

Begin a PTSD Treatment Program by Contacting Atlanta Center for Mental Health

If you have noticed the signs of PTSD in yourself or a loved one, do not wait to seek professional help. Many people require help to deal with the symptoms of PTSD, and receiving help early on can make a significant difference in your recovery. Find support and relief at our PTSD rehab center. Reach out to Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 and let us help you or your loved one through their journey to recovery.