PTSD Prognosis: Understanding and Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone at any time. Although symptoms can last for months or even years, effective treatment can dramatically improve day-to-day functioning.

With the proper support and care, many people with PTSD go on to reclaim a full, meaningful life. Here is what you should know about recognizing PTSD and finding the right treatment.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. “Almost everyone has some reaction to trauma, whether it be fear, anger, shock or guilt,” said Chuck Antonucci, MSN, RN, NE-BC, PMH-BC, CTSS, LSSGB, Director of Inpatient Behavioral Health Clinical Services at Inspira Health. “While most people naturally recover with time, those with ongoing symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD.” About 6 percent of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

Signs and symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms usually begin within three months of the traumatic event and fall into four main categories:
 

• Intrusive thoughts: Flashbacks, nightmares and frightening memories that cause you to relive the trauma. Emotional distress or physical reactions can also happen when you’re reminded of the event.
• Avoidance symptoms: Steering clear of thoughts, feelings, people, places, or activities related to the traumatic event. This may result in social isolation and withdrawal from daily life.
• Changes in physical and emotional responses: Also called arousal symptoms, they include being easily startled, feeling constantly on edge, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, extreme irritability and angry outbursts. These symptoms tend to be persistent, making everyday tasks harder to manage.
• Cognition and mood changes: Memory problems, negative thoughts about oneself or the world, feelings of hopelessness, emotional flattening and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

It is normal to experience some of these symptoms in the days or weeks following a traumatic event. However, when symptoms last longer than a month and impede daily functioning, they may point to PTSD.

PTSD diagnosis and treatment

A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose PTSD. “For a formal diagnosis, the following must be present for at least one month: at least one symptom of intrusive thoughts, at least one avoidance symptom, at least two arousal symptoms and at least two cognition and mood symptoms,” said Antonucci.

Primary forms of treatment include psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both. Evidence-based therapy options include:
 

• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT), which helps patients reframe negative thoughts connected to their trauma
• Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, which gradually reduces avoidance by helping patients safely revisit distressing memories
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which uses guided movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories

All three approaches help patients develop more effective coping strategies.

Antidepressants are frequently recommended for PTSD and can help reduce feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger and emotional apathy. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications to target specific symptoms like sleep disturbances and nightmares.

Finding what works for you 

“Because PTSD affects everyone differently, treatment is not the same for everyone,” said Antonucci. “Working closely with a care team allows patients to find the combination of treatments that works best for them.”

Support from family and friends also plays a meaningful role in recovery. Spending time with someone, giving them space to open up or helping them connect with comforting people and activities can make a real difference. Although progress may be gradual, those diagnosed with PTSD can and do see meaningful improvement over time.

Learn more about behavioral and mental health services at Inspira.