Risk factors for developing PTSD

For many years experts couldn’t figure out why some people who experienced traumatic events don’t develop PTSD some do. research has proven that the people who are under greater risk for developing PTSD are:

1. Those who experience greater stress, unpredictability, uncontrollability, sexual victimization, real or perceived responsibility…

2. Those with vulnerability factors such as:

• genetics,
• early age of onset and
• longer-lasting childhood trauma,
• lack of functional social support, and
• concurrent stressful life events.

3. Those with a social environment that produces shame, guilt, or self-hatred

Consequences associated with PTSD?

PTSD is associated with a number of distinctive neurobiological and physiological changes.

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Psycho-physiological alterations associated with PTSD include:

• hyper-arousal of the sympathetic nervous system
• increased sensitivity of the startle reflex
• sleep abnormalities
• abnormal levels of key hormones involved in the body's response to stress
• enhanced thyroid

It is also proven that PTSD is associated with the increased likelihood of co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

The co-occurring disorders most prevalent for men with PTSD were:

• alcohol abuse or dependence 
• major depressive episodes
• conduct disorders 
• drug abuse and dependence 

The disorders most frequently comorbid with PTSD among women were:

• major depressive disorders 
• simple phobias
• social phobias 
• alcohol abuse/dependence 

Headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, immune system problems, dizziness, chest pain, and discomfort in other parts of the body are common in people with PTSD.

PTSD and cancer

As we have already mentioned, this disorder is normally associated with trauma such as violent crimes, rape, and war experience. However, there is a growing number of reports of PTSD among cancer survivors and their relatives. Although the mechanism is still unknown, most studies deal with survivors of breast cancer, and cancer in children and their parents and show prevalence figures of between five and 20. There is yet disagreement on whether there is any connection between these traumas and cancer diagnosis.

Treatment of PTSD

Unfortunately there is no definitive treatment, but some treatments appear to be quite promising, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and exposure therapy. PTSD is treated by a variety of forms of psychotherapy and drug therapy.

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Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy involves having the patient repeatedly relive the frightening experience under controlled conditions to help him or her work through the trauma.
It is extremely effective. Studies have also shown that medications help ease associated symptoms of depression and anxiety and help with sleep.

Medications

The most widely used drug treatments for PTSD are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Prozac® and Zoloft®. the trouble is that, while it works for most patients, it doesn’t work for everyone. Most recent researches on the biological changes associated with PTSD have spurred new research into drugs that target these biological changes, which may lead to better efficacy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

This kind of therapy is often helpful for trauma survivors. It helps a patient adopt new thoughts and behaviors in place of destructive or negative ones, while safely revisiting aspects of the trauma.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy involves talking with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor, to discover what caused an anxiety disorder and how to deal with its symptoms.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a natural but altered state of consciousness or awareness. Hypnotherapy has long been used to treat war-related post-traumatic conditions. In the last couple of years it has been used also in cases of sexual assault, car accidents and other traumatic events.