Just like you go to a medical doctor when something is physically wrong, you see a mental health professional when something is off mentally or emotionally. If you are dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), you could likely benefit from mental health support and treatment.
A PTSD diagnosis often comes from a medical provider, and someone must undergo a few different PTSD evaluations to obtain a formal diagnosis.
Criteria for PTSD Diagnosis
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, a PTSD diagnosis requires someone to have:
- Criterion B (Intrusion): At least 1 symptom;
- Criterion C (Avoidance): At least 1 symptom;
- Criterion D (Negative alterations in cognition/mood): At least 2 symptoms; and
- Criterion E (Arousal/reactivity): At least 2 symptoms.
These symptoms must occur for a month or more and affect your ability to perform everyday activities.
PTSD Symptoms & Signs
Anyone who has experienced a traumatic event is likely to experience short-term symptoms. Luckily, most people who experience trauma won’t go on to develop chronic PTSD. The course of PTSD will also vary from person to person.
Typically, symptoms begin within 3 months to a year of the traumatic event. For example, someone may recover in 6 months, whereas another person will have symptoms that last much longer. For some, post-traumatic stress disorder can become chronic.
Let’s take a moment to explore the different kinds of PTSD symptoms:
Intrusion and Re-Experiencing Symptoms
Intrusion and re-experiencing symptoms can cause issues in your day-to-day life. These symptoms can start from their subconscious thoughts and feelings and morph over time. Certain words, objects, or situations can trigger a memory of the traumatic event and cause you to relive or re-experience it.
These symptoms can include:
- Flashbacks – reliving the traumatic situation, again and again, including but not limited to physical symptoms of racing heart or sweating;
- Nightmares and bad dreams; and/or
- Frightening thoughts.
Avoidance Symptoms
Avoidance can cause you to drastically change your routine in an attempt to stay away from triggers that remind you of the event. This can be as simple as a song that sparks a memory of the event and causes distress. You may start avoiding particular people, places, or things to avoid triggers.
These symptoms can include:
- Purposefully avoiding places, events, or objects that remind you of the traumatic experience;
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the event; and/or
- Self-numbing through substance abuse.
Negative Cognition and Mood Symptoms
Negative cognition and mood symptoms can be challenging to detect because they result from substance abuse and physical injury. These symptoms can make you feel alienated or detached from your friends or family. It should be noted that it’s natural to experience these symptoms a few weeks after a dangerous event. But when these symptoms last more than a month, they can significantly affect your ability to function in daily life.
These symptoms can include:
- Trouble recalling specific parts of the traumatic event;
- Overall negative thoughts about themselves and the world;
- Lost interest in activities they once enjoyed; and/or
- Distorted feelings of shame and guilt.
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms
Arousal symptoms typically remain constant rather than being triggered by an external influence. These symptoms can make you routinely feel stressed and irritable. In the worst case, you may become hypervigilant and constantly on edge. These symptoms can make it challenging to complete daily tasks such as sleeping, eating, or concentrating on work.
These symptoms can include:
- Being easily startled;
- Trouble sleeping;
- Uncontrollable temper; and/or
- Feeling tense and on edge.
What Causes One Person to Develop PTSD While Others Don’t?
Individuals are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder when they feel isolated and alone. The lack of built-in support in their daily lives tends to have more intense physical and emotional reactions to trauma.
Also, having a co-occurring mental health disorder can influence the risk of developing PTSD. Generalized anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and a history of substance abuse can all increase the chance of a PTSD diagnosis.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Evaluations
There are two common types of PTSD evaluations: structured interviews and self-report questionnaires. Both involve responding to questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s common for a formal PTSD diagnosis to take several evaluation steps. Be patient and honest every step of the way, as this increases the chances of a proper mental health diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Diagnoses and Assessments
No matter your situation, you should always feel empowered to ask questions. Your medical provider should be able to tell you what their PTSD-focused assessment will include, how long it will take, and how the results will be used. Let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions about PTSD diagnoses, screenings, and treatment.
Q: What is a screen for PTSD?
A: A screen consists of a short list of questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors since the traumatic event. The goal of the screening isn’t to diagnose you with PTSD but to give the treatment provider further understanding of your unique situation. These types of tests take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Q: What should I expect during a PTSD assessment?
A: If, after your screening, your provider thinks you may have PTSD, your next step is a more in-depth assessment. You can expect to be asked questions about potentially traumatic events during this evaluation.
Sometimes, a provider may also ask to speak with your spouse or family members closest to you about what they’re seeing and feeling. It’s also possible for a provider to perform physical examinations to assess the potential health issues that can be affected by trauma. All of these steps are done with compassion and sensitivity at a pace that feels right for you.
Q: How long will a PTSD assessment take?
A: Most PTSD assessments take one to two hours. However, if the provider needs more information for legal reasons or a disability, this process can take longer. It’s vital to see someone who is trained specifically to conduct PTSD assessments. If your provider doesn’t carry this specialization, you can ask for a referral to one that does.
PTSD Treatment
You do not have to manage your PTSD alone. Finding appropriate treatment for PTSD in Florida can help you regain a sense of control over your life. The most common evidence-based interventions include some form of trauma-informed care and, in some cases, can also include medication management.
Working with a combination of behavioral therapy and medications, over time, you can learn:
- New skills to address and manage PTSD symptoms;
- New points of view to improve the way you see yourself and the world;
- New ways to cope with any symptoms that may arise, either now or in the future; and/or
- How to address other mental health issues commonly associated with trauma experiences, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Finding PTSD Treatment That Works for You
If you suspect you are struggling with PTSD, you should immediately seek treatment from a trained professional. Finding a treatment center that can address your PTSD symptoms and other potential mental health disorders is vital to the healing process.
Contact the patient advocates at The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center for experienced mental health treatment providers, and/or to inquire about PTSD treatment-related costs.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- National Institute on Mental Health – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: PTSD: National Center for PTSD – How Is PTSD Assessed?