Research Paper

Although the thought of PTSD was very controversial when it was first talked about, the
diagnosis ended up filling a very important gap in the psychiatric theory and practice in 1980.
Before PTSD was ever officially a medical condition, people were very skeptical of the validity of
the illness until 1980 when the American Psychiatric Association added PTSD to the third
edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (​DSM-III). T ​ he observation
that experiencing a traumatic event can lead to dozens of different symptoms is not new. During
the Civil War, a disorder similar to PTSD was called the ‘Da Costa's Syndrome’ from the
American internist Jacob Mendez Da Costa (1833–1900; Civil War duty: military hospital in
Philadelphia).
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that can develop in the
hippocampus, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex of the brain when the individual
experiences, or witnessed a traumatic event. Many people misinterpret what a traumatic event
it. Although things such as a loved one's death, or a divorce can seem very traumatic, it is not
considered a ‘traumatic event’ which could lead to PTSD. A traumatic event that could cause
PTSD are things such as war, natural disasters such as tornadoes tsunamis, and earthquakes,
accidents, physical/sexual assault, or terrorist incidents. Not all, but most people who
experience/witness something traumatic, return to normal after a short amount of time. For
those who don’t may notice that their stress reactions aren’t going away, and that it’s getting
worse over time. This most likely means that PTSD is developing.
PTSD develops when someone is responding to a traumatic event. Anyone can
experience a traumatic event, in fact, about 60 percent of men, and percent of women
experience one or more traumatic events in a lifetime. If an individual experiences a traumatic
event, and is having some of the symptoms of PTSD, it does not mean that PTSD has developed.
Although PTSD is very common, and there are more than 3 million cases per year, not everyone
who has symptoms of PTSD is actually diagnosed with it. There are ​several different things that can
contribute to how a person reacts to a traumatic stressor. Researchers and theoreticians have discovered
different factors can determine individuals who will probably create PTSD when presented to a
catastrophic event. Some of these factors have to do with their mental health history, their families'
history of psychological problem, age, gender, biological makeup, social network, and their accessibility
to mental health treatment facilities. An individual with lots of support from friends/family before and
after the traumatic occasion is probably going to have a positive effect after the trauma than an individual
who doesn’t have support. A few studies on heritability of a person with a small hereditary component
contributes to increase their chances of exposure to trauma. "For example a hereditary deficit in
problem-solving capacity may contribute to higher levels of exposure to potentially traumatic stressors
and lower levels of resources to promote recovery following exposure" (Reyes, Elhai, and Ford, p. 259).
There are three different symptoms of PTSD. ​The first set of symptoms has to do with the
individual becoming upset when confronted, with a traumatic reminder or thinking about the
experience when the person is trying to do something else. The second set of symptoms has to
do with staying away from places or people that remind you of the trauma, staying away from
other people, or feeling numb. The third set of symptoms has to do with the individual feeling on
guard, irritable, or startling easily. Because of those three sets of symptoms, we know that there
are clear symptoms/changes which are associated with PTSD. ​PTSD cannot be diagnosed unless the
symptoms last for at least one month, and causes a lot of stress or makes the persons work or home life
more difficult.. In order to be diagnosed with PTSD, The person must have three different types of
symptoms: reexperiencing symptoms, avoidance and numbing symptoms, and arousal symptoms.
Although PTSD along with other mental illnesses is not curable, the symptoms can
effectively be managed to help restore the patient to normal functioning. Because of today’s
incredible technology, and knowledge we now have many treatments to fit the needs of patients
not only with PTSD but with other mental illnesses. One of the therapies offered to those
affected with PTSD, is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is a
talk therapy focused on helping the individual cope and modify negative thoughts, emotional
responses, and behaviors which are all associated with the person’s psychological distress.
Another therapy offered is ​ eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. This
Psychological treatment helps relieve stress of traumatic events with specific eye movements.
Medications are also a common treatment. There are thousands of different medications for
people with all different needs. Some medications are similar to each other, but are specifically
designer for all different kinds of people. 3 of the most common medications to treat people with
PTSD are Paroxetine which can ​ treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Another common medication is
Fluoxetine which helps treat It can treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. Lastly, Sertraline can treat depression,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual
dysphoric disorder (PMDD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. The three medications
listed above are called SSRIs which stands fo Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. You may
have noticed that the three medications listed are similar, but are all a little different to fit the
needs for all kinds of people. The two different doctors who specialise in helping people cope
with PTSD are Clinical psychologist who helps treat mental disorders primarily with talk
therapy, and Psychiatrists who help treat mental disorders primarily with medications. Having
this type of access is so helpful to have during the patients recovery.
In conclusion, post traumatic stress disorder can affect almost anyone who
experiences/witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD is a very common disorder with more than 3
million reported cases each year. PTSD is a very unique disorder considering the fact that each
symptom is different for each person. A quick recap of some of the symptoms are things like
remembering the flashback of the event with flashbacks, dreams, or nightmares. PTSD can occur
no matter the age, although more men get PTSD than women to. Psychological effects are
common for people who have PTSD. Although there is no cure, studies have shown that
treatments such as medication and psychotherapy really help patients suffering from PTSD.
Everyone reacts differently to different treatments. Figuring out what works best for you is right
step on the pathway to recovery.
Citations:

https://www.mirecc.va.gov/cih-visn2/Documents/Patient_Education_Handouts/Handout_What_i
s_PTSD.pdf- Mirecc.va.gov. (2018). [online] Available at:
https://www.mirecc.va.gov/cih-visn2/Documents/Patient_Education_Handouts/Handout_What_i
s_PTSD.pdf [Accessed 19 Aug. 2018].

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd-overview/ptsd-overview.asp-Ptsd.va.gov. (2018).
PTSD History and Overview - PTSD: National Center for PTSD. [online] Available at:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd-overview/ptsd-overview.asp [Accessed 19 Aug.
2018].

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1297500/-"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:

Evidence-Based Research for the Third Millennium." PubMed Central (PMC),

https://www.mirecc.va.gov/cih-visn2/Documents/Patient_Education_Handouts/Handout_What_i
s_PTSD.pdf-"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Evidence-Based Research for the Third
Millennium." PubMed Central (PMC),

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-are-treatments-for-posttraumatic-stress-disorder#1
-

" PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1297500/.