Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: How to Spot It and How to Treat It

Initially, many people thought PTSD only affected war veterans, but now we know that there are certain groups at higher risk for developing the condition including children with stressful childhoods, women who experience trauma and those with a family history of PTSD.

1) Can you share more about the neurochemistry behind the diagnosis?

Absolutely, there have historically been a lot of misconceptions around who can develop PTSD and thankfully those are clearing up with more information around the condition.

The neurochemistry is now better understood thanks to research developments and it is thought that the condition develops as a result of a decrease in serotonin levels due to changes in the Dorsal and Median Raphe, an increase in Cortisol Levels in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPAA), increased Dopamine levels and Norepinephrine levels and reduced Prefrontal cortex volume.

That was a lot of science, but essentially PTSD significantly alters the way the brain functions so if you're struggling with it, please know that your symptoms are not your fault but a result of the trauma(s) you endured.

2) Is there a gold standard treatment for PTSD?

There is no one treatment for PTSD, but more of a combination, multimodal approach. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a great place to start for treatment of PTSD. This focuses on working with Neuroplasticity or the belief that your brain can build new, synaptic pathways.

Pharmacologically, Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Antidepressants are another place where you can find relief from PTSD symptoms, with Zoloft (Sertraline) and Paxil (Paroxetine) being FDA-approved for PTSD. My patients have also experienced relief with other SSRIs, such as Lexapro (Escitalopram) or Prozac (Fluoxetine).

Support groups are also excellent and can provide patients with a sense of community and relief from feelings of isolation that usually come with the diagnosis.

3) What are common PTSD triggers?

There are both internal and external triggers with PTSD. For certain individuals, internal feelings of loneliness, frustration and certain memories can spontaneously trigger an episode of intense symptoms.

Externally, people, places and situations such as a specific date, something on the News or television or witnessing an accident can create a sense of re-experiencing a traumatic event. Unfortunately, we can't always control what happens to us in the outside world, but through treatments, we can work on strengthening a patient's inner world and thus tremendously improving their quality of life.

If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges that come with recovering from PTSD, don't hesitate to reach out to us at www.mindandbrainlink.com/contact.