PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has very dangerous long-term effects if not treated properly and immediately by experts. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a mental disorder that occurs after a person experiences a traumatic or unpleasant event.
PTSD often reminds the sufferer of unpleasant events from the past. Some examples of such events are accidents, natural disasters and sexual abuse. However, not everyone who is reminded of traumatic events is affected by PTSD. There are several other criteria that determine whether a person has PTSD or not.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Long Term Effects
If not treated properly and as early as possible, this PTSD disorder will be very helpful for the sufferer. The sufferer may experience symptoms such as sleep disturbances, emotional highs and feelings of guilt. They may even avoid or lose their favorite things because they don’t want to be reminded of the unpleasant event.
Usually, PTSD symptoms begin within 3 months after the trauma. These symptoms may not reappear for years afterward. However, if not addressed immediately, the sufferer will experience it for longer than expected. They will continue to experience this anxiety disorder for the rest of their lives.
Health Disorders
Most PTSD sufferers tend to be more prone to anxiety or stress, anxiety to depression. These things will certainly affect health to make some inflammation in certain parts of the body.
Sleep Disorder
The next Post Traumatic Stress Disorder long term effect is sleep disturbance. People who experience long-term trauma are more prone to sleep disorders. This is due to uncontrollable feelings of anxiety and fear.
Behavioral Changes
PTSD sufferers who do not get immediate treatment can also experience behavioral changes. This change in behavior may make them feel inferior, distant from the environment and often daydream.
Frequent Flashbacks
Frequent flashbacks to a particular event or incident can also be one of the effects of trauma. The memory of this event will make them feel the same emotions as the situation. In fact, these flashbacks can also make PTSD sufferers experience sleep disturbances due to nightmares.
PTSD Treatment
After knowing the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder long term effects, here are some steps for handling it:
Talk Therapy
Repeatedly practicing talking about traumatic events or causes can be one of the steps to relieve PTSD symptoms. Patients can do this in a much safer and controlled environment in order to have more control over their feelings and thoughts. This treatment step must be done carefully to be more effective or prevent the risk of worsening the condition.
Cognitive Therapy (CPT)
Next comes cognitive therapy or cognitive restructuring. This therapy helps PTSD sufferers learn how to think about the trauma in a new light. The mental imagery of the traumatic event will be more helpful to overcome the trauma in a person. In addition, the sufferer will have full control over fear and anxiety.
Proper PTSD Management
That is the explanation about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder long term effects complete with treatment steps. This anxiety disorder will be very disturbing for the sufferer. They more often experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, fear and depression. Therefore, when experiencing symptoms of this anxiety disorder, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment. This is also an effort to prevent further symptoms or anxiety disorders.
