Did you know that 3.5% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with a type of PTSD every year?
Contrary to popular belief, there are several types of PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder, also commonly referred to as PTSD, can have several different symptoms that present themselves. However, these symptoms are entirely dependent upon the individual suffering from the condition. This is because every person’s response to a traumatic event is unique.
Today, our Sycamore PTSD experts are here to break down the different types of PTSD to help you get a better understanding of what you or a loved one might be dealing with.
Normal Stress Response
Normal stress response is typically what a person begins to experience before their PTSD. However, not every person who has a normal stress response will develop PTSD. If you were recently in an accident, had a traumatic experience during a surgery, were very sick, or got hurt, you may develop normal stress response.
Normal stress response happens when there’s an extreme amount of stress and tension caused by a specific event. Oftentimes, normal stress response can be managed with therapy. Also, it should only take a few weeks for the individual suffering from normal stress response to start to see an improvement in their symptoms.
Acute Stress Disorder
Acute stress disorder is not the same as PTSD. However, it can develop in people who recently had a life-threatening experience or an experience where the individual felt like their life is being threatened.
Some of the most common situations where people will develop acute stress disorder are the loss of a job, experiencing a natural disaster, or even the death of a loved one. All of these major life events can trigger the response of acute stress disorder.
However, if acute stress disorder is left untreated, it can cause the individual suffering to develop PTSD so if you feel you are showing signs of acute stress disorder, see one of our Sycamore counselors as soon as you can. Currently, acute stress disorder can be treated with group therapy, individual therapy, medication, and help from a psychiatrist.
Uncomplicated PTSD
Uncomplicated PTSD can occur after a singular traumatic event. A lot of people who have uncomplicated PTSD tend to develop nightmares, mood swings, flashbacks, and avoiding situations that remind them of the trauma they experienced.
Through the use of medication and individual therapy, uncomplicated PTSD can be managed and treated.
Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD is very different from uncomplicated PTSD. This is because those suffering from complex PTSD experienced multiple events that were traumatic to them. Similarly, individuals who are suffering from complex PTSD were often involved in community violence, domestic violence or abuse, or war.
Due to the variety of symptoms that people with complex PTSD tend to suffer from, it can be difficult to diagnose this type. Oftentimes, people who are suffering from this type of PTSD can be misdiagnosed with a variety of other conditions, such as multi-personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or dissociative disorders. A lot of people with complex PTSD tend to prevent symptoms of irritability, aggression, impulsive behaviors, and sometimes substance abuse.
Comorbid PTSD
Comorbid PTSD is a term that describes disorders that are reoccurring. If there’s an individual that is suffering from several mental health conditions or substance abuse problems, they could be diagnosed with comorbid PTSD. There are a lot of people that are suffering from this type of PTSD.
Understanding the Different Types of PTSD from Our Sycamore Counselors
By learning about the different types of PTSD, you can get an understanding of the symptoms that you’re currently suffering from and how you can go about seeking treatment. No matter what type of symptoms you’re experiencing with your mental health condition, there’s always help available for you at one of our centers, including in Sycamore.
Are you interested in seeking out help? We’re here to help you get to better mental health. Click here to contact us today.