Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This could include events such as natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, war/combat, rape, or other violent personal assaults.
Diagnostic Criteria includes:
(Based on the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision, by the American Psychiatric Association DSM-5- TR).
- Exposure to Actual or Threatened Death, Serious Injury, or Sexual Violence:
- Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s).
- Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others.
- Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend.
- Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s) (e.g., first responders collecting human remains).
- Presence of Intrusion Symptoms:
- Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s).
- Recurrent distressing dreams related to the traumatic event(s).
- Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring.
- Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolise or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
- Marked physiological reactions to reminders of the traumatic event(s).
- Persistent Avoidance of Stimuli Associated with the Traumatic Event(s):
- Avoidance of, or efforts to avoid, distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the traumatic event(s).
- Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).
- Negative Alterations in Cognitions and Mood:
- Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s).
- Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world.
- Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) leading the individual to blame themselves or others.
- Persistent negative emotional state (e.g. fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
- Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
- Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
- Persistent inability to experience positive emotions.
- Marked Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity:
- Irritable behaviour and angry outbursts.
- Reckless or self-destructive behaviour.
- Hypervigilance.
- Exaggerated startle response.
- Problems with concentration.
- Sleep disturbance.
These symptoms cause significant distress or interfere in social functioning, work or family life, or other important areas of functioning.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) arises from prolonged or repeated trauma, often occurring in situations where the individual has little chance of escape, such as in cases of childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity. C-PTSD includes the symptoms of PTSD along with additional symptoms that affect emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.
Additional Symptoms of C-PTSD:
- Emotional Regulation Difficulties:
- Problems managing emotions, which can include explosive anger, persistent sadness, and suicidal ideation.
- Changes in Consciousness:
- Dissociation, including severe episodes of depersonalization and derealization.
- Memory disturbances related to the traumatic events.
- Negative Self-Perception:
- Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness.
- Interpersonal Problems:
- Difficulty maintaining relationships, trust issues, and repeated victimisation.
- Distorted Perception of the Perpetrator:
- Preoccupation with the perpetrator (revenge or identification with the perpetrator).
Treatment for PTSD and C-PTSD (Complex Trauma)
Psychotherapy – A Phase-Based Treatment Approach:
- Stabilisation Phase: Focuses on safety, developing coping skills, and stabilisation in current daily life.
- Trauma Processing Phase: Uses methods to process your trauma and alleviate your PTSD symptoms, such as Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR),Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), and Sensorimotor Processing Psychotherapy (SP).
- Trauma Integration Phase: Aims to help individuals reconnect with society and build a fulfilling life.
Medication: Some individuals may also require medication prescribed by their GP or Psychiatrist.
Lifestyle and Self-Care:
- Regular Physical Activity: Helps reduce anxiety and stress.
- Healthy Diet: Supports overall physical and mental health.
- Adequate Sleep: Essential for recovery and well-being. Psychology sessions may be needed in order to restore a healthy sleeping pattern.
If you would like to book with Katy for assistance with PTSD or Complex Trauma (C-PTSD), please use the tab below.