Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – is a mental health disorder that can develop in some people after they have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.

Diagnostic criteria for PTSD (according to DSM-5):

• There was a stressful event in which the person participated or witnessed. 1 month or more has passed since the event;
• Intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event. They occur involuntarily, dreaming or returning as flashbacks (memories that feel as if they are happening here and now);
• Avoidance of trauma - unwillingness to talk about the event, to be around people or places that remind you of it;
• Negative changes in thinking or emotions, such as negative beliefs (e.g., "I'm bad," "No one can be trusted," "The world is dangerous"); self-blame or judgment of others; persistent negative emotional states; and an inability to experience positive emotions;
• Obvious changes in behavior and emotional reactions: irritability or outbursts of anger that occur for no reason; self-destructive and risky behavior; increased alertness, problems falling asleep, and concentrating.
• If these symptoms last for more than a month and cause significant problems in social and professional spheres, it is important to consult a doctor.

Does PTSD really exist only "in the head"?

PTSD is a mental health disorder. However, over time, PTSD can also cause physiological changes.

• The amygdala, which is involved in processing emotions of fear, anger, and the formation of emotional memories, becomes hyperactive in people with PTSD, making such reactions more intense.
  The hippocampus, which is important for memory and learning, often shrinks in size, making it more difficult for a person to process traumatic memories, learn more useful behaviors, and generally learn new things.
• The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, may also shrink and become less active. This can make it difficult to think rationally and lead to difficulties in regulating emotions and managing behavior.
• The regulation of the stress hormone cortisol may be impaired, leading to chronic stress and anxiety.
• PTSD can also be associated with a variety of physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, increased or decreased pain sensitivity, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, dizziness, eczema, weakened immunity, etc.

For more information, please follow the links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdSIzO2_sDE&ab_channel=%D0%84%D0%B2%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%96%D1%8F%D0%A1%D1%82%D1%80%D1%96%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%86%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%B0

Test:

https://www.rozmova.me/test/ptsr

Other scientific sources:

"The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma", Bessel van der Kolk

https://vivat.com.ua/product/tilo-vede-lik/

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd