Symptoms and Diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can affect anyone. The symptoms are commonly expressed approximately one to three months after the traumatic event occurred. Symptoms of PTSD are associated with three main categories:
- Reliving: Re-experiencing the event is often due to flashbacks, hallucinations, sounds, and nightmares. Undergoing the illusion of Reliving causes great distress on the patient suffering from PTSD.
- Avoidance: By removing anything that may stimulate the memory of the traumatic event, the patient isolates him or herself from society and loses interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
- Unstable Emotions: The mental perspective of this category includes irritability, increased aggression, difficulty focusing and sleeping, and inability to show affection. Physical characteristics include rapid breathing, nausea, muscle tension, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure.
According to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychological Association, the patient must meet the criteria listed. A doctor may evaluate the patient by viewing his or her medical history and conducting a physical exam. The doctor can then refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist to further diagnose and help treat the patient suffering from PTSD.