How to know if you're experiencing PTSD

For five years, Louise battled depression and recurring nightmares. Late last year, a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) brought a sense of relief. She had initially been told by a doctor she had bipolar disorder and situational depression, but something didn’t feel right.

Understanding the Impact of Trauma

Louise’s symptoms began following a domestic violence incident. The nightmares were frequent, occurring roughly once a week. It wasn’t until she connected with new mental health professionals that her experiences were understood as PTSD. She initially dismissed the possibility, believing she was simply “going through a thing.”

Did You Know? One in every 20 people in Australia will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, according to recent data.

What Defines PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by a collection of symptoms that emerge after a traumatic experience, explains Professor Alain Brunet, director of the National PTSD Centre at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute. Those suffering from PTSD find themselves unable to escape thoughts about the event.

Professor Brunet notes that these thoughts often recur as unwanted memories, and nightmares. Individuals also tend to avoid places, people, or conversations that trigger reminders of the trauma, and their bodies remain in a state of heightened alert – a “fight or flight” response.

Symptoms of PTSD can include re-experiencing the trauma, avoiding reminders of the event, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and feeling constantly “on edge.” If a significant number of these symptoms persist for more than 30 days, it is likely to be PTSD.

The Nature of Traumatic Events

PTSD is a commonly diagnosed mental health condition in Australia. Professor Alexander “Sandy” McFarlane, an emeritus professor of psychiatry at the University of Adelaide, identifies interpersonal violence as the most prominent cause of PTSD in the country. Sexual assault and motor vehicle accidents are also significant contributors.

Large-scale events, such as the Bondi terrorist attack or bushfires and natural disasters, can also lead to PTSD. Professor Brunet emphasizes a key distinction between PTSD and other mental health conditions: a direct confrontation with, or witnessing of, a life-threatening event is required for a PTSD diagnosis.

Expert Insight: The requirement of a life-threatening event separates PTSD from conditions like depression or anxiety, highlighting the unique impact of directly experiencing or witnessing trauma.

Recognizing the Signs of PTSD

The National PTSD Centre offers a free online screening tool, but a formal diagnosis requires evaluation by a qualified health professional. Professor Brunet recommends consulting a general practitioner if symptoms persist for more than a month. He stresses the importance of addressing the stigma associated with seeking mental health support.

Treatment Options for PTSD

Recommended treatments for PTSD include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies focus on helping individuals re-engage with traumatic memories and process them effectively. Antidepressants can also help reduce reactivity, making it easier to process trauma.

The National PTSD Research Centre is also trialling reconsolidation therapy, which aims to disrupt the reprocessing of traumatic memories. While experimental treatments like microdosing psychedelics are being explored, Professor Brunet notes that more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Louise found that reliving the trauma during therapy was challenging, but she is now experiencing positive results, including improved sleep and a better relationship with her children. “For the first time in a very long time I have hope,” she says.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes PTSD?

According to Professor McFarlane, interpersonal violence is the most prominent cause of PTSD in Australia, with sexual assault and motor vehicle accidents also being significant contributors. Large-scale events like terrorist attacks or natural disasters can also lead to PTSD.

How is PTSD different from other mental health conditions?

Professor Brunet explains that PTSD is distinct because it requires direct confrontation with, or witnessing of, a life-threatening event. This differentiates it from conditions like depression or anxiety.

What are the main symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms can include re-experiencing the trauma, avoiding reminders of the event, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and feeling constantly “on edge.” If these symptoms persist for more than 30 days, it is likely to be PTSD.

What steps might someone take if they suspect they are experiencing symptoms of PTSD?