Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.  Whilst many people associate PTSD with the armed forces and war, it can develop from anything we experience as traumatic, including rape, emotional/physical/sexual/financial abuse, violence, accidents, or natural disasters.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence Guidelines for PTSD (NICE, 2005) states that up to 30% of people experiencing a traumatic event may develop PTSD either immediately after the event or indeed some many years after.

Symptoms of PTSD are:

• Flashbacks/re-experiencing events
• Nightmares
• Emotional numbing
• Avoidance of reminders
• Hyper-arousal (feeling ‘on edge’)
• Hyper-vigilance (looking out for danger)
• Anger and irritability

Part of the recommendations within the NICE guidelines for PTSD (2005:4) is the implementation of a course of trauma-focused psychological treatment of either trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). It usually involves at least eight to twelve weekly treatment sessions lasting an hour or ninety minutes in duration. Treatment may include medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, to help reduce the severity of symptoms. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach and depends on the complexity and duration of the trauma/s.

Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to an event or experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing. It can also affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background and have lasting and negative effect on mental health, physical health, relationships, and quality of life. However, not everyone who has experienced a traumatic event will develop PTSD.  Some may have managed to put into place other coping strategies that have helped them move forward. Others may have tried this but continue to suffer the consequences of what has happened to them. Sadly at times, it can take years before someone finds the courage to seek help for historical abuse or rape, at times maybe even wrongly blaming themselves in some way for what may have happened.

Trauma treatment aims to help client’s cope with their traumatic memories and emotions, reduce their symptoms and restore their sense of safety and control. It can help clients heal past wounds, overcome fears, and reclaim lives.  Due to the sensitive nature of this work, therapy sessions usually take place over a longer timeframe to allow for the client to lead at a pace that feels comfortable to them. Treatment can be challenging and emotionally demanding, but it can also be rewarding and empowering. Different people may respond differently to different types of treatment, depending on their individual needs, preferences, and goals. Treatment is therefore tailored to each person’s unique situation and history and is delivered by a qualified, experienced mental health professional who specialises in trauma-related issues.