Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. These events can include but are not limited to natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, war, accidents, or the sudden death of a loved one. PTSD can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Symptoms of PTSD can be categorised into four main groups: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Examples of each group of symptoms include:

Intrusive Memories: Flashbacks, nightmares, and unwanted memories of the traumatic event. For example, a veteran who experiences vivid flashbacks of being in combat or a survivor of sexual assault who has recurring nightmares.

Avoidance: Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind the person of the traumatic event. For example, a survivor of a car accident who refuses to drive or a survivor of a school shooting who refuses to attend school.

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Difficulty sleeping, feelings of guilt or shame, loss of interest in activities, and distorted thoughts about oneself or others. For example, a survivor of a natural disaster who feels hopeless and helpless or a survivor of physical assault who feels guilty for not being able to fight back.

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Being easily startled, feeling on edge or tense, and having difficulty concentrating. For example, a firefighter who experiences a racing heart and shortness of breath when hearing sirens or a survivor of a terrorist attack who is constantly on high alert.

PTSD can be incredibly distressing both for the person experiencing these symptoms and for those around them. PTSD can significantly impact a person's daily life, relationships, and ability to function.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a psychological condition that is similar to PTSD but differs in several ways. It is usually caused by chronic or long-term exposure to trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, domestic violence, or captivity.

C-PTSD symptoms include all of the symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of triggers, but may also include symptoms such as difficulty regulating emotions, feeling detached from oneself or others, and persistent negative beliefs about oneself and the world.

Despite its prevalence and recognition among mental health professionals, C-PTSD is not officially recognised as a distinct disorder in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Some researchers and clinicians have proposed adding it as a separate diagnosis or as a subtype of PTSD in future revisions of the DSM.

The reason C-PTSD is not included in the DSM-5 is due to a lack of sufficient evidence and research on the topic at the time of its publication. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) included Complex PTSD in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2018 as a separate diagnosis.

Experiencing trauma can have a profound impact on a person's mental and emotional wellbeing. It can cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts that can interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.

Whether or not someone is considered "traumatised" and requires therapy to recover depends on various factors, such as the severity of the trauma, the person's resilience and coping skills, and their support system. Some people are able to cope with traumatic experiences without therapy, while others may require professional help to recover.

Traumatic growth refers to positive psychological changes or personal development that can occur in response to experiencing trauma or adversity. It is also known as post-traumatic growth (PTG).

While it seems obvious that trauma can have negative effects on mental health and well-being, did you know that some people may also experience positive changes in the aftermath of trauma? These positive changes may include increased personal resilience, a greater appreciation for life, a sense of spiritual growth, improved relationships with others, and a greater sense of personal meaning or purpose.

It is important to note that traumatic growth is not a universal outcome of trauma, and not all people will experience it. Additionally, the process of growth following trauma can be complex and may involve both positive and negative emotions.

However, the idea of post-traumatic growth is seldom discussed which can leave some people feeling as though something may be wrong with them as they do not seem to be adequately ‘traumatised’ by their experience. They may in fact be coping perfectly fine and it can be reaffirming and validating to identify the ways in which they have coped well in the after math of their trauma.

There are several evidence-based treatments for PTSD, including:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help people identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Specifically, CBT for PTSD often involves exposure therapy, where the person is gradually exposed to their traumatic memories or triggers in a safe and controlled environment.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a type of therapy that involves the use of rapid eye movements to help people process traumatic memories. The therapist will guide the person through the traumatic event while having them follow their fingers or a light back and forth with their eyes. NOTE: SEC Psychology does not currently offer this type of therapy however please contact us for a referral to an EMDR practitioner.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): PE is another form of exposure therapy that involves repeatedly confronting the traumatic memory or trigger until it no longer causes distress. This therapy typically involves imagining the traumatic event, talking about it, and engaging in real-life exposure to triggers.

Medications: There are several medications that have been shown to be effective in treating PTSD symptoms, including antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonergic-noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Speak to your GP or psychiatrist about the best medication for you.

It's important to note that not all treatments work for everyone, and the effectiveness of each treatment can depend on the individual's symptoms and personal preferences. It's essential to work with a mental health professional to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.