What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental disorder characterized by the onset of symptoms following an individual's exposure to one or more traumatic situations. The nature of the stressor must be intense and significant, such as a real or threatened situation of death, serious injury, or sexual violence—either experienced directly or witnessed happening to someone else.

Incidence

The prevalence in the general population is 0.37%, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Why do some people go through traumatic situations and not develop PTSD?

As with other mental disorders, there are various factors that may predispose a person to the condition. The interaction of these factors in the development of PTSD is still not fully understood, but it is known that genetic, environmental, and personal factors (such as resilience, temperament, and pre-existing mental disorders) can act as both risk and protective factors.

Symptoms

PTSD symptoms involve reliving the traumatic event, accompanied by persistent avoidance behaviors—such as avoiding memories or not going to the place where the event occurred—hypersensitivity to new threats, exaggerated startle response, and heightened reactivity to stimuli. There is also difficulty in continuing with routine activities (professional, academic, or social).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through specialized medical evaluation. As with other mental disorders, there are no laboratory or imaging tests for diagnostic purposes, although such tests may be used to rule out clinical conditions.

Treatment

Treatment may be pharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic. Antidepressant medications are the most commonly used, and other adjunct medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms (such as anxiety or insomnia).

Psychotherapy, in conjunction with pharmacological treatment, contributes to stabilizing the condition. Interpersonal therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy have been the focus of research, with good results observed.

By Einstein Editorial Board