Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Causes of PTSD

PTSD is directly associated with exposure to a traumatic event or series of events. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. However, everyone diagnosed with PTSD will have experienced some form of trauma.

PTSD is being unable to return to “normal” more than one month after a traumatic event. These events may be caused by something dangerous that threatened your life. They can also happen after a sudden, upsetting event, like the unexpected death of a loved one. Examples of traumatic events include experiencing or witnessing:

• Natural disasters
• Serious accidents
• Military combat
• Acts of terror
• Violence
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Medical illness
• Loss
• Significant life changes

Who is at risk for PTSD?

Trauma can affect anyone, no matter their background. Its impact varies depending on a person’s resilience, support system and the type of traumatic event. Many people have short-term responses to traumatic events and recover within a few weeks or months. But approximately 6% of the population in the United States will develop long-term PTSD symptoms at some point in their lives.

The difference between those who develop PTSD following trauma and those who do not isn’t yet well understood. However, research shows there are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing it. These factors include:

• Prior experiences of trauma, especially during childhood
• Limited social or family support
• People whose jobs are physically or emotionally demanding
• Dealing with other stressors before or after a traumatic event
• Personal or family history of mental illness or substance misuse
• Gender, as research shows a higher prevalence of PTSD in females than in males

PTSD treatment options

At Main Line Health, our skilled behavioral health specialists will determine the best individualized approach to treatment. We offer 24/7 inpatient mental health treatment and outpatient behavioral health programs.

Your care may include one or more of the following:

• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, in both individual and group settings, helps in processing traumatic experiences and developing coping strategies. Specific types of psychotherapy have shown to be effective in treating PTSD. These include:
  • Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Prolonged exposure therapy (PET)
• Medication: Medications can help manage PTSD symptoms such as anxiety and depression. The ones used most often are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Support groups: Connecting with others who share similar experiences can offer comfort and understanding.
• Lifestyle changes: Evidence-based practices, including balanced nutrition, physical activity, quality sleep, mindfulness practices, experiencing nature and mental healthcare, can diminish the impacts of trauma. As can making genuine connections and maintaining healthy relationships.

Diagnosis and testing for PTSD

A thorough assessment by a behavioral health specialist is essential in diagnosing PTSD. It is also necessary to identify common co-occurring disorders. These include depression, anxiety and substance use disorder (SUD), among others. Your assessment may include:

• Psychiatric/psychological assessment: A mental health provider will conduct a thorough evaluation. This will include talking about, assessing your symptoms and discussing the trauma that led to those symptoms.
• Physical exam: An exam by a physician will assess physical health and identify any medical concerns that may be related to PTSD symptoms.