Do I Have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? A PTSD Questionnaire
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When the term “anxiety disorder” is used, it isn’t uncommon to think of social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder may even come to mind. An anxiety disorder that frequently goes overlooked, though, is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder known for the intense trauma that precedes it. Taking a PTSD test can help you take steps toward diagnosing the condition. Learning the signs of PTSD can also help you support yourself and your loved ones if this condition is suspected.
PTSD: A definition
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that sometimes develops on the heels of a traumatic event or a series of traumatic events; individuals can develop PTSD from divorce and other life-altering events. Post-traumatic stress disorder can vary in severity, with more severe cases significantly interrupting day-to-day life.
Although many people experience some degree of distress when dealing with difficult life events, PTSD differs in its severity and longevity. With PTSD, symptoms last long after they would typically subside, usually four months or more. PTSD may present comorbid, or alongside, other disorders as well, including panic disorder.
Individuals with PTSD often benefit from the help of a mental health care professional.
What it means to have PTSD
Many people with PTSD feel alone or isolated from their peers. Avoidance, hypervigilance, flashbacks, and severe anxiety can all take a toll on an individual’s ability to function in typical settings. Trying to maintain a sense of normalcy might require more emotional energy than individuals have to spare, leading to self-isolation and withdrawal from friends and loved ones. Sometimes, seeking help can feel frightening or overwhelming.
Post-traumatic stress disorder does not have to be permanent, though. It is possible to recover from the effects of PTSD with the help of a professional.
Who experiences post traumatic stress?
Trauma is more common than many people realize, and it is relatively common for individuals who have experienced severe trauma to develop PTSD. These types of traumas might include war, a serious car accident, or a natural disaster.
Even so, such overtly traumatic experiences are not prerequisites to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. What may seem to be more subtle situations, including divorce, moving, or being in an abusive partnership can also cause trauma. Thus, PTSD is understood to affect a large number of people with countless backgrounds, life events, and emotional states.
PTSD symptoms
The symptoms of PTSD can span many experiences and behaviors. Still, there are a few that stand out as the core of PTSD symptoms. These include:
Hyperarousal. Hyperarousal is a state defined by the sensed need to remain on high alert. This desire is driven by the trauma experienced and can look different depending on the person. Common manifestations of hyperarousal include jumpy behavior (being easily startled), difficulty eating and sleeping, and destructive behavior. Hyperarousal can cause anxiety to spike, creating a compound effect and making PTSD symptoms even more significant.
Flashbacks or “re-experiencing.” A flashback is usually punctuated by smells, sights, and sounds and is far more visceral than a single memory. Flashbacks are often a film-like replay of the traumatic event taking place.
Avoidance. Avoidance is defined as behavior that is engaged in to avoid something. Avoidance most often comes in the form of staying away from a place that is heavily associated with the trauma you experienced. Avoidance might show itself through an individual refusing to revisit the corner of the road where they were in an accident. Or, it could be refusing to listen to a certain song because it was the one playing while a person was assaulted.
Cognitive and mood changes. The most common cognitive and mood changes that result from PTSD are increased irritability, decreased interest in friends and once-loved activities, feelings of despair or hopelessness, and perpetual negative thoughts about oneself and the world.
A PTSD questionnaire
There are numerous resources for legitimate PTSD questionnaires and evaluations. While these cannot and should not take the place of an evaluation from a mental health professional, they can be an excellent steppingstone for individuals who suspect PTSD.
Perhaps the most pressing question when trying to determine if you are experiencing PTSD is this: “Have you experienced anything in your life that has caused immense stress, pain, or fear?” Answering this question is the first step toward determining whether PTSD is a possibility. Although there are some instances in which trauma has been experienced without someone realizing it, it is far more common for people with PTSD to know and understand that something significant happened to them, even if they are not certain of its scope.
Next, you can ask yourself, “Have you relived that experience in your mind or body?” In post-traumatic stress disorder, flashbacks are common and can be extremely distressing. Far from being a simple flash of memory of a traumatic event, a flashback often transports people with PTSD back to the event to such an intense degree that they might feel as though they can smell, feel, or even taste aspects of the trauma-inducing event. These flashbacks can be immensely distressing and have the potential to exacerbate existing anxiety or trauma.
Next, consider this question: “Have you experienced significant changes to your life following the event mentioned above?” The answer to this can help determine the difference between grief or an unpleasant memory and PTSD.
Conclude with asking yourself, “Have you experienced avoidant behavior as a result of the trauma?” Avoiding the place where the trauma occurred or other aspects of the trauma could also indicate the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder.
If your response to each of the questions above is a resounding “yes,” it would be wise to schedule a visit with a mental health care professional as soon as possible. If you answered “yes” to some but not all the questions, it might still be prudent to speak to a mental health professional.
Treatment options for PTSD
Care for PTSD can involve a few different forms of therapy. In some cases, medication is needed to help ease the symptoms of PTSD. More commonly, therapy is used. Trauma therapies such as EMDR may be used to work through post- traumatic stress symptoms. This is in addition to standard talk therapy.
Some people find that more assistance is needed and may request lifestyle intervention assistance. They may even benefit from the help of a service animal, who can turn lights on and off, check rooms to make sure they’re empty, and provide a source of comfort and normalcy, should a PTSD attack come on.
Not all therapies and treatments will be available to everyone, but a mental health professional can give you an idea of what’s available in terms of help. If you believe you match the criteria for PTSD, do not hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional to seek professional evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. This can be done through your insurance company, local therapy directories, or online through providers such as BetterHelp.
Online counseling may be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing debilitating symptoms of PTSD. These symptoms can make it difficult to leave the house, interact with others, and go about normal activities. Online therapy is available from the comfort of your home.
Online counseling may be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing debilitating symptoms of PTSD. These symptoms can make it difficult to leave the house, interact with others, and go about normal activities. Online therapy is available from the comfort of your home.
Online therapy has also shown promise in treating PTSD effectively, especially using CBT. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of other types of internet-based therapies.
Takeaway
How do I know for sure if I have PTSD?
If you suspect you have PTSD, you may want to take a "do I have PTSD quiz" or screening tool, which can guide you on whether you need to seek a professional diagnosis. However, while the quiz or tool may provide initial answers, only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose PTSD. A diagnosis might involve detailed discussions about your symptoms, which may include past trauma, recurring nightmares, or persistent fear. Difficulty sleeping and strong reactions to reminders of the event are also common indicators.
What to do when your PTSD is triggered?
When your PTSD is triggered, try to remove yourself from the situation that caused it, if possible. Practice grounding techniques, like deep breathing or mindfulness, which may help manage your immediate symptoms. It's also recommended to seek ongoing PTSD treatment, which may include medication, therapy, and strategies to cope with triggers over time.
How can a person with PTSD help themselves?
A person with PTSD can help themselves through various self-care practices, seeking therapy, and possibly taking medication under the guidance of a clinical director or healthcare provider. Having a routine, staying connected with supportive friends and family, and doing enjoyable activities or hobbies can also be beneficial.
What questions are on a PTSD test?
A PTSD test includes questions about experiencing traumatic events again, like having nightmares or flashbacks, and whether you avoid things that remind you of the trauma. It also examines any negative changes in your thoughts or mood related to the event and whether you've become more reactive or easily startled. The test helps to identify the presence and severity of symptoms that match the criteria for PTSD.
How does PTSD affect a person's daily life?
PTSD can greatly affect a person's daily life, causing problems such as difficulty sleeping, intense emotional reactions to reminders of the trauma, and avoidance of certain places or people. These symptoms can lead to strained relationships, decreased work or school performance, and challenges in completing everyday tasks. The constant state of stress and anxiety may also lead to physical health problems.
Do I have trauma or am I overreacting?
Determining whether you're experiencing trauma or overreacting can be difficult. However, trauma is a response to an extremely upsetting or disturbing event, such as death, violence, or a threat to personal safety. If your reaction is intense and persistent, causing distress and affecting your daily life, it may be worth seeking professional help to address it.
Can you get PTSD from emotional abuse?
Yes, PTSD can result from emotional abuse. Persistent emotional abuse can lead to long-term psychological trauma, similar to the effects of physical abuse. Emotional abuse in any form, whether as a child or adult, can be severely damaging and often requires professional support.
Why is PTSD hard to treat?
PTSD can be hard to treat because it typically involves complex responses to trauma that can deeply change how a person feels and behaves. Treatment approaches typically include therapy, medication, and support. In addition, each individual's experience with PTSD is usually different, and what works for one person may not work for another.
What should you not do to someone with PTSD?
Avoid forcing someone with PTSD to discuss their trauma, don't belittle their feelings, and refrain from setting conditions for their recovery process. It's also important to avoid creating an environment with potential triggers or reminders of their trauma without warning. Being patient and staying supportive is key.
How does someone with PTSD treat others?
Someone with PTSD may sometimes have trouble maintaining stable relationships. They might be irritable, have angry outbursts, or withdraw socially, which may be misunderstood by others. However, these behaviors are often symptoms of their condition and not intentional acts of hostility or disinterest.
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