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Coping with a PTSD Episode: Effective Strategies and Support Options

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Coping with a PTSD Episode: Effective Strategies and Support Options
The amygdala (the brain’s fear center) doesn’t forget anything that it has deemed as dangerous and doesn’t discern whether the threat is real or imagined.

Throughout their lifetime, at least half of all people will experience a traumatic event of one kind or another. For some, trauma begins early in life with the devastation of childhood abuse and other maltreatment, including neglect.

Beyond this, there are many other types of events that are inherently traumatic, such as military combat, sexual violence or other physical assaults, serious injury, motor vehicle accidents, being stalked or in a natural disaster as well as surviving a mass shooting or living in a war zone.

Essentially, any event during which a person experiences the fear of actual or threatened death can trigger PTSD symptoms. Some mental health experts suggest that living through the COVID-19 pandemic was yet another event that triggered trauma in some people.

It’s normal for anyone who has endured or witnessed experiences like these to have a strong emotional response that could last for days or weeks.

However, some people have a delayed and/or prolonged reaction to the traumatic event which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a serious mental health condition.

This blog will explore what happens during a PTSD episode, offering insights and coping strategies to help you deal with it.

Prevalence and Symptoms of PTSD

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD—the mental health services administration for veterans—approximately 7-8% of people in the U.S. will develop PTSD during their life—10% of women and 4% of men.

To be diagnosed with this condition, a person will have some specific PTSD symptoms, including several of these:

  • Recurrent and distressing memories or dreams of the traumatic event that cause severe anxiety

  • Prolonged or noticeable psychological and/or physical reactions, such as extreme fear, to cues resembling the experience

  • Flashbacks of the event or emotional/psychological dissociation during PTSD episodes

  • Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, people, places, or any reminders of what happened, often referred to as avoidance symptoms

  • Difficulty remembering details of the event

  • Changes in memory or thinking patterns or the development of mood symptoms and difficulty experiencing positive emotions and possibly feeling emotionally numb

  • Hypervigilance, trouble sleeping, anger outbursts, trouble concentrating, and suicidal thoughts as well as unhealthy coping strategies such as substance abuse and other self-destructive behaviors

While all these post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can cause significant impairment, some are more challenging to manage than others.

PTSD AND THE BRAIN

Studies show that PTSD symptoms are largely related to the amygdala, a structure deep in the brain that is best known for our fight-or-flight response.

When in danger, the amygdala assigns an emotional tag to any experience that could be life-threatening. Its function is automatically prioritized over other areas of the brain, including those that govern reasoning and memory.

Not everyone who experiences a traumatic incident will develop post-traumatic stress disorder, but for those who do, seeking treatment with a licensed mental health professional to help you reduce or manage PTSD symptoms can make a world of difference.

Fortunately treating PTSD is possible and mental health services that do this are widely available.

PTSD Episodes: Flashbacks and Dissociation

The amygdala doesn’t forget anything that it has deemed as dangerous and doesn’t discern whether the threat is real or imagined. This plays a big role in untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, especially when these symptoms occur:

  • Flashbacks are a nightmarish and intense reliving of traumatic events. Whether it is momentary or lasts a few minutes, hours, or even days, someone going through a flashback is unable to distinguish intrusive memories from reality.

    Flashbacks are uncontrollable and very vivid, likely evoking strong sensory memories associated with the trauma that was endured and the environment in which it happened.

    Someone experiencing a PTSD trigger and flashback might have heightened anxiety and other reactivity symptoms.

  • Dissociation occurs when a person feels separate or disconnected from their body and surroundings as though they are observing things from outside of themselves.

    This tends to occur automatically as a coping mechanism to manage traumatic memories and the emotions and sensations associated with them in those who develop PTSD. Like flashbacks, dissociative episodes can be fleeting or last for a long time.

The amygdala (the brain’s fear center) doesn’t forget anything that it has deemed as dangerous and doesn’t discern whether the threat is real or imagined. This plays a big role in untreated PTSD. Share on X

Flashbacks and dissociation are often unpredictable and are caused by triggers in the environment that are reminders of the traumatic event. Such cues can be sights, sounds, odors, objects, people, places, or any number of things that are somehow associated—even unconsciously—with the fearful experience and lead to traumatic stress reactions.

During PTSD episodes, the brain responds by activating the amygdala as though real danger is imminent. This in turn causes an increase in heart rate, shallow rapid breathing, perspiration, and panic as the fight or flight system kicks in.

For Steven, an Amen Clinics patient who witnessed a horrific accident that killed 10 people, his hands would start shaking.

“Grounding” to Offset a PTSD Episode

Although they come on quickly, a person will usually have a little bit of warning prior to a flashback or dissociation. For example, they may feel they are losing their connection to reality or things may start to look blurry.

One method for managing PTSD symptoms and not completely losing touch with reality is through a technique known as “grounding,” which is similar to mindfulness.

Just as it sounds, grounding can help a person stay present so that they recognize their oncoming PTSD symptoms for what they are. This technique involves strategies such as these:

  • Engaging each of the senses by identifying things in the immediate environment they can see, smell, touch, taste, and hear

  • Moving around—whether by walking, running, or jumping—to help disrupt the body’s stress response

  • Breathing deeply and slowly to help calm themselves

Mental Health Treatment for PTSD

It is possible to recover from PTSD symptoms, and there are many PTSD treatment options that can be beneficial, including:

1.Talk therapy: Some mental health professionals offer talk therapy treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which addresses ongoing negative emotions and negative thought patterns.

2.Exposure therapy: Another type of treatment, known as exposure therapy, incorporates present-moment relaxation techniques to help reduce symptoms of PTSD in the presence of a trigger.

Another form of this technique is called prolonged exposure therapy. This allows people to gradually face their feelings related to past traumatic events.

3.EMDR: According to research, one of the most effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder is called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). This type of psychotherapy is done with a licensed mental health professional or other healthcare provider who is trained and certified in it.

After some sessions for EMDR preparation during which a client will identify triggers, accompanying physical sensations and distressing symptoms, a process called bilateral stimulation (BLS) is used. This involves having clients move their eyes side-to-side as they follow the therapist’s finger, having the client hold a small device in each hand that alternately vibrates.

At the same time, a traumatic memory and associated bodily sensations are recalled simultaneously with the BLS. The distraction of the BLS along with emotional support from the healthcare professional makes thinking and talking about the experience less terrifying or overwhelming.

This method helps the memories of traumatic events get “unstuck” so they can be more fully processed in the brain. This in turn opens the door to greater coping skills and emotional management and fewer negative thoughts related to the trauma or oneself.

4.Antidepressant medications: Mental health professionals may also recommend selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to help reduce day-to-day symptoms. It’s important to understand that antidepressant medication alone is unlikely to fully treat PTSD symptoms.

In general, doing therapy in conjunction with medication is usually recommended to overcome symptoms of PTSD.

CONSEQUENCES OF UNTREATED PTSD

Sadly, without treatment, many people won’t fully recover from PTSD. In this case, PTSD episodes are likely to continue or worsen with time. For some people, this can aggravate symptoms and may even lead to suicidal thoughts.

The stigma attached to mental disorders holds some individuals back from seeking help. Because of this, it’s important to know that reaching out to a mental health professional for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Understand that the road to recovery from PTSD and other types of trauma may not be a linear one. You may experience setbacks on your healing journey.

However, continued progress can lead to an improvement in mood symptoms, healthier coping strategies, and a greater ability to manage symptoms. Overall, this fosters a greater sense of well-being and more fulfillment in life.

Reviewed by Amen Clinics Inc. Clinicians

We Are Here For You

PTSD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
Get Started

Amen Clinics

Founded in 1989 by double-board certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist Daniel G. Amen, MD, Amen Clinics Inc. (ACI) is known as the best brain and mental health company in the world. Our clinical staff includes over 50 healthcare specialists, including adult and child psychiatrists, integrative (functional) medicine physicians, naturopaths, addiction specialists, forensic psychiatrists, geriatric psychiatrists, nutritionists, licensed therapists, and more. Our clinicians have all been hand-selected and personally trained by Dr. Amen, whose mission is to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. Over the last 35-plus years, ACI has built the world’s largest database of functional brain scans—over 250,000 SPECT scans on patients from 155 countries—related to how people think, feel, and behave.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. PTSD: National Center for PTSD. How common is PTSD in adults? https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp

Zotev V, et al. Real-time fMRI neurofeedback training of the amygdala activity with simultaneous EEG in veterans with combat-related PTSD, NeuroImage: Clinical, Volume 19,2018, Pages 106-121, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2018.04.010.

Medical News Today, Step-By-Step Guide on Grounding Techniques, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/grounding-techniques

Rothbaum, Barbara Olasov, and Ann C Schwartz. “Exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder.” American journal of psychotherapy vol. 56,1 (2002): 59-75. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2002.56.1.59

Wilson, Gemma et al. “The Use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder-A Systematic Narrative Review.” Frontiers in psychology vol. 9 923. 6 Jun. 2018, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00923

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6 Worst Things To Say To Someone With PTSD

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Read about what not to say to someone with PTSD, plus empathy-driven alternatives to help you support loved ones struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

You can’t predict when you’ll go through a traumatic event. There’s also no way to determine how deeply something will affect your mind and body.

For some people, trauma can leave a lasting emotional imprint that outlasts the physical one. This can make everyday life feel overwhelming, and many suffer through it without feeling they can speak up.

That’s why the right support system can make all the difference in healing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Trauma comes from a host of life events from abuse and assault to military combat and accidents. This doesn’t just affect the person living with it—it ripples through their relationships, families, and social circles.

It’s estimated that about 5% of U.S. adults—roughly 13 million people—struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder each year. If you know someone who is suffering, knowing what not to say to someone with PTSD is important.

At Amen Clinics, we have worked with thousands of patients struggling with this debilitating mental health disorder. Many of them have shared that some friends and family members with good intentions have said things that actually made them feel worse.

To avoid saying the wrong thing, spend some time learning more about the condition and how to talk about it with compassion and empathy. This is key to helping others heal from PTSD.

WHAT IS PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, such as violence, war, or serious accidents. PTSD can be debilitating and manifest in four main symptom clusters:

  • Trauma relapse: Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts about the event.
  • Avoidance: Steering clear of places, people, or things that trigger memories of the trauma.
  • Negative mood and thoughts: Feelings of guilt, shame, or detachment from others.
  • Hyperarousal: Constant feelings of anxiety, being easily startled, or struggling to relax.

Supporting someone dealing with PTSD requires understanding, patience, and empathy on a personal level.

With about 80% of people with PTSD also dealing with co-occurring mental health conditions, diagnosis and treatment is highly nuanced.

Here are a few ways that help:

  • Brain SPECT Imaging: This imaging technique reveals how trauma affects the brain and cognitive function, and helps personalize treatment plans based on biological processes.
  • Neurofeedback Therapy: This non-invasive, medication-free treatment has helped trauma survivors regulate brain activity, improving focus and reducing certain post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
  • Individual Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy: Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are some of the proven psychotherapies and effective treatments for reducing PTSD symptoms.

WHAT NOT TO SAY TO PEOPLE WITH PTSD

A safe and supportive environment for you and your loved ones starts with you. If you want to know what not to say to someone with PTSD and learn what to say to people with PTSD, look at these six examples.

1. “Why can’t you just get over it?”

Invalidating and dismissing someone’s PTSD cause and/or symptoms can end up causing more harm than intended. Telling someone to “move on” oversimplifies their experience and may make them feel like their trauma isn’t worth acknowledging.

What to Say Instead

“I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. I’m here for you if you want to talk or need support.”

Healing PTSD can be a long, non-linear process, so expressing empathy with a listening ear can help them feel understood and not rushed into recovery.

2. “It could have been worse.”

Comparing someone’s trauma to other painful situations diminishes their experience. PTSD isn’t about ranking how severe the trauma was—it’s about how that event impacted them. It can feel like a slap in the face like they don’t deserve to feel upset.

What to Say Instead

“I’m sorry that something so painful happened to you, but I’m here if you want to talk.”

Prioritizing someone’s feelings about their personal experience, without comparing it to yours or someone else’s, reinforces the validity of their feelings. Sometimes, actively listening without judgment is the best support.

3. “I know how you feel.”

Unless you’ve lived through the exact same experience, this can come across presumptive and self-centered. Every trauma is personal, and two people can think and react very differently to similar experiences.

What to Say Instead 

“I may not know exactly what you’re going through, but I want to understand and support you however you need.”

Instead of leading the conversation with your insight, focus on who needs support.

4. “Stop overreacting.”

Minimizing someone’s feelings by labeling them as overreacting is incredibly harmful. Different symptoms may seem overwhelming if you haven’t experienced trauma, but that doesn’t mean to undercut their feelings as invalid.

What to Say Instead

“It seems like this situation is incredibly hard for you. How can I support you right now?”

Offering help in the moment and recognizing the difficulty of their situation shows you care without belittling their response.

5. “You’re being dramatic.”

Calling someone dramatic invalidates their emotions and experience. For people with post-traumatic stress disorder, it can have a bigger negative impact as they already feel ashamed or burdensome to those around them.

What to Say Instead 

“I know you’re going through something tough, so let me know how I can support you.”

Even if their behavior seems extreme from the outside, remember they may be acting this way from isolation. Let them know you see them through their trauma as they handle it in the best way they know how.

6. “That happened so long ago.”

Trauma doesn’t have an expiration date. Without proper treatment and support, it can stay with someone for a few years, or through their lifetime. Putting a timeline on them to heal shows you don’t know how PTSD works or how ongoing struggles affect them.

What to Say Instead 

“No matter when this happened, it’s still affecting you now, and that’s OK. I’m here to help however I can.”

This kind of validation lets them know they’re allowed to feel the way they do, regardless of how long ago their traumatic event happened.

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WITH PTSD

PTSD has layers to the healing process with some common and sometimes unique behavioral patterns developing over time. It can depend on what traumatic event happened at what point in a person’s life.

While knowing what to say is essential, there are other ways to support someone with post-traumatic stress disorder beyond talking. Here’s how to help someone with PTSD:

  • Be mindful of any PTSD triggers: Pay attention to what may set off their PTSD symptoms and avoid exposing them to distressing situations by offering support as needed.
  • Learn about PTSD: The more you understand this condition, the better equipped you’ll be to give or receive compassionate support.
  • Suggest professional guidance: Gently suggest therapy from a professional experienced in trauma and let them know it’s OK to seek help without pushing.
  • Be patient and avoid pressure: Healing takes time, and everyone’s journey is unique, so take care in letting them choose the pace in their recovery.
  • Respect their boundaries: People with PTSD need time and space to deal with difficult moments, especially with certain triggers and symptoms.
  • Help with day-to-day tasks: Trauma feels like a weight on the simplest tasks, so offering to help with the mental load of certain tasks can relieve some stress.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can be a difficult condition to understand if you’ve never experienced trauma firsthand. The good news is that it’s never too late to show empathy and compassion to another person.

Everyone’s trauma is unique, and what might seem minor to one person can be devastating to another. Choose your words wisely and you’ll be one step closer to knowing how to help someone with PTSD. 

We Are Here For You

PTSD and other mental health conditions can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
Get Started

Amen Clinics

Founded in 1989 by double-board certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist Daniel G. Amen, MD, Amen Clinics Inc. (ACI) is known as the best brain and mental health company in the world. Our clinical staff includes over 50 healthcare specialists, including adult and child psychiatrists, integrative (functional) medicine physicians, naturopaths, addiction specialists, forensic psychiatrists, geriatric psychiatrists, nutritionists, licensed therapists, and more. Our clinicians have all been hand-selected and personally trained by Dr. Amen, whose mission is to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. Over the last 35-plus years, ACI has built the world’s largest database of functional brain scans—over 250,000 SPECT scans on patients from 155 countries—related to how people think, feel, and behave.

National Center for PTSD. (2023, February 3). How Common Is PTSD in Adults? www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp

National Center for PTSD. (2023, May 24). Co-Occurring Conditions. www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/index.asp

Chiba T, Kanazawa T, Koizumi A, Ide K, Taschereau-Dumouchel V, Boku S, Hishimoto A, Shirakawa M, Sora I, Lau H, Yoneda H, Kawato M. Current Status of Neurofeedback for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and the Possibility of Decoded Neurofeedback. Front Hum Neurosci. 2019 Jul 17;13:233. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00233. PMID: 31379538; PMCID: PMC6650780

Norman, S., Hamblen, J., & Schnurr, P. P. (2023, October 18). Overview of Psychotherapy for PTSD — National Center for PTSD. www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/overview_therapy.asp

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Going through grief can leave a lasting imprint on the brain and mental health. It can make people feel sad, depressed, unable to concentrate, edgy, anxious, or irritable. And it can cause trouble sleeping, which exacerbates all those other symptoms of grief. If you know someone who’s in mourning, you may want to offer some comforting words. But if you’re like many people, you might be afraid of saying something that doesn’t help or that ends up making them feel worse. In this blog, you’ll discover what psychiatrists say are the worst things to say to someone who’s grieving as well as some of the best things you can say. If you know someone who’s in mourning, you may want to offer some comforting words. But if you’re like many people, you might be afraid of saying something that doesn’t help or that ends up making them feel worse.
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WHAT GRIEVING PEOPLE WISH YOU’D STOP SAYING

If you’re wondering what to say and what not to say to a grieving person, take advice from the neuropsychiatrists at Amen Clinics. Over the past 30-plus years, the mental health professionals at Amen Clinics have helped thousands of patients who are grieving after a major loss. Whether it’s the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, a sense of identity, a pet, or a home, these people are suffering. And their grief greatly impacts their brain function and can lead to what is called “grief brain.” In therapy sessions, grieving people have shared some very hurtful comments they’ve heard that made them feel worse after the loss of a loved one. For example, one woman was just 28 when her 30-year-old husband died in a car accident. She said, “I can’t believe how many people told me, ‘At least you’re young. You’ll find a new husband.’” Another Amen Clinics patient whose son died by suicide, cried when she remembered someone telling her, “It’s a blessing that you have other children.’” Granted, it can be difficult to know what to say or what not to say in life’s most difficult moments. That’s why it’s good to know the phrases that are helpful and the ones you should refrain from using.

19 WORST THINGS TO SAY TO A PERSON IN MOURNING

To help you understand what typically comes off as hurtful rather than helpful, here are 19 things Amen Clinics patients said they wish people would stop saying to someone who’s grieving.
  1. “How are you doing?”
  2. “You’ll be okay after a while.”
  3. “I understand how you feel.”
  4. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
  5. “Stop crying.”
  6. “At least he’s in a better place. His suffering is over.”
  7. “At least she lived a long life. Many people die young.”
  8. “She brought this on herself.”
  9. “Aren’t you over him yet, he’s been dead for a while now.”
  10. “There is a reason for everything.”
  11. “God’s in charge.”
  12. “She was such a good person. God wanted her to be with Him.”
  13. “Just give it time. Time heals.” (Time does not heal, taking the right steps heals.)
  14. “You’re young. You can still have other children.”
  15. “You’ll do better next time in love.”
  16. “It was just a dog (or cat). You can get another one.”
  17. “Stay busy. Don’t think about it.”
  18. “You have to be strong for your spouse, children, mother, etc.” (This diminishes their need to take time to heal.)
  19. “Just move on.”

13 HELPFUL THINGS TO SAY TO (OR DO FOR) A GRIEVING PERSON

Based on what thousands of Amen Clinics patients have said, here are better ways to communicate and connect with someone who’s in mourning.
  1. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
  2. “I wish I had the right words. Please know I care, and I’m here for you.”
  3. “You and your loved ones are in my prayers.”
  4. “I can’t imagine how you feel.” Then be quiet and let them tell you about their feelings.
  5. “I can’t imagine how you feel. When I lost my father I felt …..” Then listen without judgment or criticism.
  6. “I’m here for you.” Better yet, if there is something specific they need, ask if you can do it for them. Ask if you can make phone calls or send emails on their behalf.
  7. “Can I go to the funeral?” This is often an important sign of support.
  8. “Want to talk about what happened?” Many people avoid this question, but it helps the griever to explain it, if they desire, and having a compassionate ear can help them process it more accurately.
  9. Just be present.
  10. Share a memory about the person who’s gone.
  11. Be empathetic. It’s okay for you to show your feelings.
  12. Continue connecting, even after a few months. Many people are inundated in the first few weeks, but they need support long after the funeral is over.
HOW TO COPE WITH GRIEF If you’re the one who’s grieving, know that there are steps you can take to cope with the loss. Allowing yourself to express your painful feelings is one of them. It’s understandable that you may be hesitant to relive traumatic events. However, when you avoid painful thoughts, feelings, and memories, it creates more harm than good in the long run. In some cases, it can lead to what mental health professionals call “complicated grief,” also known as “prolonged grief.” Blocking your feelings can also lead to engaging in unhealthy behaviors to deal with the excess negative emotional energy. A wealth of research, including a study in Behaviour Research and Therapy, has shown that avoidance increases the likelihood of a host of mental health conditions and other psychological issues, such as: Whenever you’re suffering from grief, write out your feelings or find someone you can talk to. This can help bring perspective, which often gets lost during emotional crises. HOW TO TALK ABOUT GRIEF When you’re ready to share your grief with others, consider the following tips: Whether you chat with a close friend, take part in a bereavement group, or get grief counseling, talking about your feelings can help you on your healing journey. Depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. PTSD symptoms, signs of PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health professional, mental health disorders, mild traumatic brain injuries, neurofeedback therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, EMDR therapy, Many of us are exposed to trauma during our lives, whether we experience it first-hand or witness a frightening event. Most people overcome the emotional upheaval and return to a sense of normalcy. But not everyone. Some people who live through trauma—such as a natural disaster, car accident, physical assault, or mass shooting—develop symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Since our brains are wired to alarm us to the presence of danger, having a physical and psychological response to trauma is normal. But when the distressing feelings don’t diminish over time, it can lead to PTSD. Approximately 1 in 30 U.S. adults suffer from this condition. When left untreated, PTSD can ruin lives and even lead to suicide. How can you tell if you’re experiencing normal emotional ups and downs versus PTSD? Here are the symptoms to look out for. Since our brains are wired to alarm us to the presence of danger, having a physical and psychological response to trauma is normal. But when the distressing feelings don’t diminish over time, it can lead to PTSD.
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PTSD SYMPTOMS

To determine if you have PTSD, you must have some of the following symptoms: In people with PTSD, symptoms typically last more than one month and interfere with daily life. If you experience these signs of PTSD, it’s a good idea to seek professional help. However, it’s important to understand that many of these symptoms overlap with other mental health disorders, such as clinical depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic stress. PTSD symptoms also mirror many of those seen in people with concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). Because of the similarities in symptoms, PTSD may be missed or misdiagnosed. Research shows that in the primary care setting, as many as 89%-98% of patients who have PTSD don’t have the diagnosis recorded in their medical records. And less than 50% of those with the condition don’t receive treatment for it.

PTSD IN THE BRAIN

For this reason, getting a functional brain scan with SPECT can be helpful in determining the root cause of your symptoms. SPECT measures blood flow and activity in the brain and reveals areas with healthy activity, too much activity, and too little activity. Unfortunately, most doctors never look at the brain with imaging, so people with PTSD often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed and given the wrong kind of treatment. Advanced brain-imaging technology provides an objective measure of PTSD, which leads to a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment. On brain SPECT scans, PTSD is associated with overactivity in multiple areas of the brain. The neuropsychiatrists at Amen Clinics refer to this as the “diamond pattern.” This heightened activity tends to keep the brain on overdrive, increasing anxiety and irritability. It also interferes with sleep.

SPECT Imaging of PTSD Before & After Treatment

SPECT Active View BEFORE Treatment: SPECT Active View BEFORE Treatment SPECT Active View AFTER Treatment: SPECT Active View AFTER Treatment

HOW A BRAIN SPECT SCAN IMPROVES DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

In addition to helping diagnosis PTSD, SPECT scans show people with this condition that their symptoms and behaviors are biological, not mental. This helps eliminate the shame and guilt people feel and encourages healing. As mentioned earlier, PTSD has many of the same symptoms seen in people with concussions and other mild traumatic brain injuries. Getting the right treatment is critical to the healing process. In a groundbreaking brain-imaging study from Amen Clinics published in 2015 in Plos One, SPECT distinguished TBI from PTSD in at least 80% of cases. This study was recognized as one of the Top 100 science stories of 2015 by Discover Magazine.

HOW TO TREAT PTSD

If you are diagnosed with PTSD, there are many things you can do to help treat symptoms of PTSD.

  1. Learn from success stories.

Many PTSD sufferers have successfully minimized their symptoms and are enjoying their life again. Sometimes hearing how someone else lived through a traumatic event and came out stronger after struggling with PTSD can reduce feelings of hopelessness. Their stories can reduce feelings of isolation and shame while offering reassurance and hope. To help you on this path to recovery, watch this first responder’s journey to PTSD healing. His touching story can help change your perspective about this condition, which affects an estimated 3.5% of American adults.

  1. Support your overall brain health.

It’s important to understand that having symptoms of PTSD is not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness. Brain imaging at Amen Clinics with SPECT scans clearly shows that PTSD is a biological problem in the brain. Supporting your brain with healthy habits, including good nutrition, exercise, supplements, and meditation can help.

  1. Use proven mental health therapies.

Scientific research shows that certain types of mental health treatment can reduce symptoms of PTSD and improve brain health. Three of the most effective treatments are: If you’re suffering from PTSD, healing is possible. Seeing a mental health professional who understands that this is a brain-based disorder is an important first step. With an accurate diagnosis, you can get a targeted treatment plan with therapies that can accelerate the healing process. PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Divorce is a painful, stressful, and oftentimes traumatic event in the lives of those affected by it. When two people divorce, it commonly leads to anxiety and depression not only for the spouses but also for any children involved. Many people reach out to friends and family to help them work through the pain and learn to live with what has happened. Some seek help from a mental health therapist. This is a normal part of the grieving and recovery process. For some individuals, however, the trauma that they have endured from their divorce reaches so deep it can’t be healed through talk therapy alone. In some cases, it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some individuals, the trauma that they have endured from their divorce reaches so deep it can’t be healed through talk therapy alone. In some cases, it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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WHEN THE PAIN OF DIVORCE PERSISTS

Talk therapy isn’t always enough to help a person heal from the emotional trauma of divorce. This was the case for Jane, a 56-year-old woman who had divorced from her husband 18 years earlier. Even though she had seen more than one mental health counselor, she was still suffering from the wounds of her divorce. It felt as if no time had passed at all. “I had been suffering from a lot of anxiety, depression, and nagging, repetitive thoughts since then,” said Jane when she visited Amen Clinics for a more complete evaluation. “Those old tapes played over and over in my head.” Jane had seen multiple mental health therapists over the years, trying to get to the root of why she couldn’t move past the pain of her divorce nearly two decades later. She felt stuck in life, unable to move forward with her life even though she desperately wanted to heal. Jane had already tried talk therapy as well as emotion focused therapy (EFT)—also called emotionally focused therapy—without getting the results she wanted. “If they had told me that to feel better, I should stand on my head and spin around,” Jane said, “I would have given that a try as well!”

HOW DIVORCE CAN LEAD TO PTSD

Finally, one of Jane’s therapists recommended looking at her pain through a new lens and suggested that she might have PTSD. Most people think that PTSD only occurs to military veterans who have seen combat, but that’s not the case. There are many nonviolent causes of PTSD. PTSD is associated with severe anxiety following a traumatic event, although it is not considered an anxiety disorder, according to experts. PTSD symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, emotional numbness, insomnia, and, in Jane’s case, uncontrollable thoughts about the event. PTSD can be a complex and sometimes confusing disorder. While two people may experience the same exact trauma, it isn’t a guarantee that both will later suffer from PTSD. Certain risk factors such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), past trauma, and a family history of clinical depression may make a person more susceptible to the disorder. As soon as Jane’s therapist suggested that she might have PTSD, she immediately began researching the disorder on her own. Most people affected with PTSD spend years trying to come to terms with the traumatic event that happened to them. “I consider myself a lifelong learner (meaning I read a lot) and so after coming across Dr. Amen on my local PBS channel, I ordered his books and read them all,” said Jane. “They made a lot of sense, so I investigated his clinics and what could be done for PTSD.” That’s when Jane decided to contact Amen Clinics and schedule an appointment. Jane’s comprehensive evaluation included a deep dive into the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of her life. She also took a sophisticated neuropsychological test that assesses cognitive, emotional, and intellectual functioning. In addition, she underwent a brain SPECT scan. This functional brain-imaging technology measures blood flow and activity in the brain. It shows areas of the brain with healthy activity, as well as areas that are either working too hard or not hard enough. Like most people with PTSD, Jane’s SPECT scan showed overactivity in several brain regions, including the following: Seeing her brain scans helped Jane understand that her PTSD symptoms were not due to some personal failure, but rather related to biological issues in her brain. This knowledge helped minimize the shame and guilt she felt for not being able to move past her divorce. Based on all of these assessments, Jane was diagnosed with PTSD related to her divorce.

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR PTSD TREATMENT

As part of a personalized treatment program, Jane began neurofeedback therapy sessions and quickly began to feel relief. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment that provides moment-to-moment feedback on physiological functioning. Several scientific studies have found that neurofeedback is beneficial for PTSD. Some research suggests that certain forms of neurofeedback should be part of standard treatment for trauma survivors. It focuses specifically on the central nervous system and the brain. This means that while the patient is experiencing an emotion, feedback is given about their physical systems such as heart and respiratory rates. This connection is then used to teach the patient about control while at the same time fostering a better understanding of the impact of their emotions on their physical selves. “I could notice gradual changes in my racing thoughts and depression,” said Jane. “But the real winning component in doing feedback is that I became anxiety-free.” Jane, who is now in recovery from PTSD, said it best, “It is such a gift to be free from all of those symptoms and to be relaxed and looking forward to life.” If you’re suffering from emotional trauma related to a divorce or breakup, it may be worth investigating if neurofeedback can help you regain emotional well-being. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Health scares can be frightening. Have you ever experienced lingering fears or intrusive thoughts after a medical procedure, or a serious medical event like an injury or heart attack? Have you noticed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after undergoing medical treatment or a hospital stay? Or have you struggled with long-term mental health consequences after enduring the life-threatening illness of a loved one, like your child? If so, you may be feeling the effects of medical trauma. We often associate trauma with childhood, frightening events like natural disasters, or ongoing abuse. But, ironically, sometimes we experience trauma through the process of trying to heal. Interactions with medical professionals, as well as interventions such as surgery or routine procedures like childbirth, can leave psychological scars that persist long after the event ends. In addition, both chronic illnesses and one-time medical crises are often traumatic. Any of these situations can stir up fear and feelings of powerlessness that create the conditions for medical trauma and, in more serious cases, medical PTSD. As the U.S. population ages and medical interventions become the norm, more people are at risk for medical trauma and medical PTSD than ever before.
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WHAT IS MEDICAL TRAUMA?

According to the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), medical trauma describes “psychological and physiological responses to pain, injury, serious illness, medical procedures, and frightening treatment experiences.” In other words, medical trauma can occur through all types of interactions with the healthcare system and its workers. For example, some patients may feel that they were handled roughly during an examination or procedure. Or the damage may be more subtle—such as feeling unheard when explaining symptoms, or not being taken seriously by a doctor. In addition, this kind of trauma can go unacknowledged or be dismissed as unimportant, a category called disenfranchised trauma. Being denied or ignored adds another layer of frustration and powerlessness on top of the original issue. Medical trauma can also occur through the onset of medical conditions themselves, especially in cases of life-threatening illness. For example, undergoing surgery, experiencing a heart attack, or coping with cancer can all create trauma in the body. Because these are serious shocks that also may involve lengthy treatments and/or recovery time, it’s no surprise that they could create longer-term mental health symptoms.

THE GROWING PREVALENCE OF MEDICAL TRAUMA

Though it is lesser-known, medical trauma can be fairly common among those affected by serious illness or accidents. It can be especially devastating for children and their families. The ISTSS estimates that 80% of ill or injured children and their families experience traumatic stress reactions after a medical trauma. Roughly 20% to 30% of these parents and 15% to 25% of children experience traumatic stress that persists over time. Adults can be deeply affected by their own medical conditions, too. About 1/3 of those who are traumatically injured, and 20% to 30% of ICU patients, experience medical PTSD or depression symptoms afterward. Ideally, medical trauma will receive more attention in the future, as obtaining medical care is increasingly the norm for U.S. citizens. According to 2022 stats from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 83.4% of adults and 93.9% of children had visited a doctor or other healthcare professional in the past year. America also has a large aging population, meaning that medical visits are likely to grow. Researchers have projected that the majority of the 50-and-older population—fast increasing in the United States—among all races will have at least 1 chronic disease by 2050. And with ongoing societal issues like medical personnel shortages and burnout, quality of care can suffer. Meanwhile, a growing older population is likely to increase one-time medical incidents, making traumatic events like strokes or heart attacks more common. Stats like these point to a growing potential for the various forms of medical trauma.

MEDICAL TRAUMA SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of medical trauma, like other kinds of emotional trauma, are unique to the individual. Some people struggle with lingering and unwelcome thoughts or memories of the medical event (such as getting a diagnosis or receiving treatment). People may experience significant upset when faced with future medical appointments or avoid them altogether. Conversely, they may seek out medical appointments more than necessary—an act of hypervigilance, a symptom often associated with trauma. In the case of medical PTSD, symptoms persist over time, even after the event or illness has passed. Medical events can take a physical and psychological toll on the patient in a variety of ways, including: As a result, patients may struggle with sleep interruptions, substance abuse, lack of focus, irritability, gastrointestinal issues, or panic attacks, to name just a few possibilities. The potential responses to traumatic experiences are numerous, so it’s important for individuals to receive a targeted treatment plan that takes their specific symptoms into account.

TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL TRAUMA

Like other types of trauma, medical trauma and medical PTSD can respond well with a variety of treatments. First, a brain SPECT scan can help locate patterns in the brain that are associated with emotional trauma. Then, to address the issue, one or more of these effective therapies (all of which are medication-free) can be implemented:

RAISING AWARENESS OF MEDICAL TRAUMA

The fact that we’re living longer than ever and can take advantage of always-evolving medical technologies to improve our quality of life is certainly something to celebrate. But in this modern-day reality, we may also pay a price. As the U.S. population ages and medical interventions become the norm, more people are at risk for medical trauma and medical PTSD than ever before. It’s important that we educate ourselves about these conditions and understand the symptoms so we and our loved ones can get help when needed. After all, to obtain optimal quality of life, our mental health must take just as much priority as our physical health.   Emotional trauma, PTSD, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 866-411-4513 or visit our contact page here. Content updated from previous publish date. After experiencing or witnessing physical, emotional, or sexual trauma, some people develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some cases, this potentially debilitating condition can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, trouble in relationships, and career problems. The bottom line: PTSD can ruin your life. Standard treatments for PTSD include several forms of cognitive behavioral therapy while more recent therapies include EMDR (eye movement and reprocessing desensitization). How do they work? Research shows that psychological treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can help overcome PTSD symptoms.
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WHAT IS PTSD?

PTSD is a brain-based mental health condition that develops in some people who are exposed to trauma during their lifetime. Following a traumatic event, it is common for people to experience distressing symptoms, however, they usually go away with time. When symptoms continue and interfere with daily living, it may be an indicator of PTSD. An estimated 3.5% of U.S. adults are currently living with PTSD and more than twice that number of Americans will be diagnosed with the disorder during their lifetime. PTSD tends to be seen more commonly in veterans, women, and first responders.

PTSD SYMPTOMS

Following a traumatic event, PTSD symptoms may appear quickly or may not develop until weeks, months, or even years later. This can make it challenging to connect the signs and symptoms of PTSD with a traumatic event that occurred in the past. Some of the most common PTSD symptoms include:

PTSD IN THE BRAIN

Brain-imaging research, including a 2021 study in The American Journal of Psychiatry, shows that PTSD is a brain-based disorder. According to this study, it’s time to stop diagnosing PTSD based solely on symptom clusters and time to start including objective neurobiological data,  “which are greatly needed to improve treatment efficacy in this age of personalized medicine.” A brain-imaging study conducted at Amen Clinics confirms that neurobiological data can be beneficial in making a PTSD diagnosis. This study compared brain blood flow patterns in people with either traumatic brain injury (TBI) or PTSD, a pair of disorders that share numerous symptoms. The study found that brain SPECT imaging was able to distinguish PTSD from TBI with 89% accuracy. Getting an accurate diagnosis that includes neurobiological data can be so important to the healing process. Because PTSD shares so many symptoms with other brain and mental health disorders—such as TBI, anxiety, depression, and intermittent explosive disorder—it’s critical to rule out these other issues to find the most effective treatment. In other cases, it’s equally important to detect co-existing conditions.  For example, research shows that nearly 50% of people with PTSD also have depression. In these instances, you need to address both PTSD and depression to heal fully.

WHAT IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the standard PTSD treatments. A common form of talk therapy, CBT usually involves changing unhealthy patterns of thinking, behavior, and feeling. With CBT for PTSD, patients are guided to healthier ways of thinking. People may also be exposed to reminders of the trauma in a controlled environment and trained to recognize triggers and develop stress-reduction techniques to induce a more relaxed state. There are several forms of CBT, including:

WHEN STANDARD PTSD TREATMENTS DON’T WORK

While CBT may help some people with PTSD, it doesn’t help everyone. For example, one study in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that most people with PTSD continue to experience symptoms following psychotherapy treatment. Another study found that as many as 50% of people with PTSD engaging in psychotherapy don’t respond to treatment or drop out of treatment before seeing positive results. As the 2021 study mentioned above suggests, a lack of neurobiological data may contribute to the low response rates for standard PTSD treatments. When psychotherapy treatments don’t help you get the results you want, there are other options, such as EMDR.

EMDR THERAPY FOR PTSD

EMDR is a powerful psychotherapeutic technique that involves eye movements—or other alternate hemisphere actions—to remove the emotional charges associated with trauma-related memories. A systematic review in Frontiers in Psychiatry suggests that EMDR can improve PTSD diagnosis and reduce both PTSD symptoms and other trauma-related symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. A growing body of research shows that EMDR can be beneficial in treating people with PTSD, and it can do it more quickly than other traditional forms of therapy. For example, one study found that just 3 sessions of EMDR provided relief from PTSD symptoms in 84% to 90% of people who had experienced a single traumatic event. How does EMDR work? During EMDR sessions, you will meditate on a distressing trauma-related thought while a trained therapist directs you to track an object as it moves back and forth. Research suggests that directing your attention elsewhere while thinking about the trauma helps the brain reprocess the emotions attached to the thought.

HEALING FROM PTSD

If you, or a loved one, have PTSD, there is hope for healing. In addition to the therapies described above, simple lifestyle changes can also help. Eating a brain-healthy diet, taking supplements to fill in nutritional gaps, exercising, and getting adequate sleep can help manage PTSD symptoms. When seeking help, look for a trained mental health professional who understands that PTSD is a brain-based disorder and who provides comprehensive therapies, such as forms of CBT and EMDR, as well as lifestyle recommendations. This is the key to finding the most effective and long-lasting solutions. With the right diagnosis and targeted treatment, you can get your life back. PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other brain-based mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Most people are aware that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur in military service men and women exposed to active combat and first responders exposed to traumatic events. However, these aren’t the only people who can experience PTSD. In fact, PTSD can also occur in people who are indirectly exposed to trauma.

WHAT IS INDIRECT TRAUMA?

Indirect trauma, also called vicarious trauma or secondary traumatic stress (STS), can occur when an individual or working professional hears a direct account of a violent or accidental trauma retold, usually by a close relative or friend, or patient/client—or when an individual sees graphic footage of a violent or traumatic incident as part of their job. With the proliferation of user-generated content (UGC) across social platforms and an increasing number of unspeakable abuses and traumatic events caught on video, PTSD is growing. It’s becoming especially more common among content moderators, journalists, and other workers routinely exposed to disturbing imagery. Social media platforms, in particular, are scrambling to provide mental health support and protocols to minimize the harm this specific type of exposure poses to workers. Here’s what you need to know about PTSD from indirect trauma. With the proliferation of user-generated content (UGC) across social platforms, PTSD is growing. It’s becoming especially common among content moderators, journalists, and other workers routinely exposed to disturbing imagery.
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WHAT IS PTSD?

PTSD is not a sign of personal weakness, but rather a brain-based mental health condition that develops as a response to a traumatic event, and its impact can be devastating. Experiencing a traumatic event (or in the case of indirect trauma, seeing or hearing a detailed account in an individual’s line of work) can be associated with: If PTSD goes untreated, it can cause a number of serious symptoms, including suicidality.

UNDERSTANDING THE STRESS RESPONSE

When an individual experiences a traumatic event or is exposed to one, it triggers the body’s stress response. The threat (real or perceived) signals the fight-or-flight system to kick in and release cortisol and other stress hormones. These hormones cause the heart rate to go up and muscles to be ready to either potentially run away from whatever the threat is or freeze. Its purpose is to increase our chances of survival. In general, after a threat passes, the stress response winds down, and the body returns to homeostasis. However, under some circumstances and in certain individuals the stress response becomes dysregulated, and symptoms of PTSD begin to emerge in the days, weeks, or months following exposure. While the neurobiology with indirect drama is not well understood, mental health experts believe that exposure to trauma shifts an individual’s worldview. In turn, this triggers PTSD symptoms, and some evidence suggests that repeated exposure to indirect sources of trauma increases the likelihood of developing PTSD.

PTSD SYMPTOMS

PTSD symptoms range from mild to severe and are not the result of medication, other illnesses, or substance abuse. Some of the most common PTSD symptoms include: When these feelings last for a month or longer and start to disrupt daily life (relationships, work, school, etc.) and normal functioning, it is a strong indicator of PTSD.

PTSD DUE TO INDIRECT TRAUMA EXPOSURE

Being glued 24/7 to distressing news feeds is a form of indirect trauma. Thankfully, most of us are protected from seeing the most disturbing forms of UGC on a regular basis because artificial intelligence (AI), journalists, and human content moderators filter it out for us. Yet, much like first responders and mental healthcare professionals who see or hear direct accounts of trauma, a growing number of content moderators and journalists are experiencing secondary traumatic stress. There are media reports of subcontracted workers who moderate severe content at Google and YouTube and other social media platforms such as Facebook suffering from PTSD symptoms amidst stressful working conditions. One class-action lawsuit noted that content moderators are regularly exposed to traumas such as live-streamed child sexual abuse, animal abuse, beheadings, murder, and suicide—and are not adequately supported with protocols and mental health services to protect against PTSD. A recent study examined minimizing stress for content operators by adding positive stimuli to break times such as awe-inspiring images and imagery of baby animals. However, it had the opposite effect. Yet on an educational note, the study did reveal that cumulative viewing video of abuse and trauma is the most destructive to content moderators and can lead to PTSD. In a 2021 published report titled “The Psychological Well Being of Content Moderators,” experts noted the negative psychological impact of UGC among content moderators, and compare it to other professions that experience similar indirect trauma—including emergency dispatchers, sex-trafficking detectives, and journalists, among others. Indeed, the connection between UGC, PTSD, and journalism caught the attention of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, a project of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. The center highlighted 2014 study findings showing repeated exposure of UGC by journalists to be psychologically harmful and offered the following researched tips for working with traumatic imagery to help protect journalists, which can be helpful to content moderators and others too: Hence, workers who are tasked to screen disturbing UGC need to take measures to protect themselves to prevent PTSD from developing. Additionally, as research continues, companies employing content moderators need to provide adequate mental health support to their workers.

PTSD TREATMENT

If you recognize PTSD in yourself or someone you know who has been exposed to indirect trauma, consult a qualified mental health professional as soon as possible. Both cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can be helpful in treating PTSD. PTSD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Trauma touches our lives more than we know. An untimely death of a parent or loved one, a car accident, a natural disaster, a life-threatening health diagnosis, an assault, or combat exposure—these are examples of traumas that happen every day around the world. While most people fully recover from trauma, some do not. In some people, trauma-related symptoms persist—or show up months or years later—and develop into posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But PTSD is not one single disorder. There are four groups or “clusters” of symptoms that indicate a problem. Gaining a basic understanding of them may help you or someone you love get treatment sooner. PTSD is not one single disorder. There are four groups or “clusters” of symptoms that indicate a problem. Gaining a basic understanding of them may help you or someone you love get treatment sooner.
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BASICS ABOUT PTSD

PTSD is defined as a psychiatric disorder that involves intense distress and disruption in one’s life after exposure to a traumatic experience. Anyone, including children, can be exposed to trauma and potentially develop PTSD, whether they experience the trauma themselves, personally witness it happen to someone else, or learn that a loved one had a traumatic event. First responders (firefighters, police, and EMTs) and combat veterans, who are routinely exposed to trauma, are at the highest risk of PTSD. Immediately following a traumatic event, most people experience any number of stress-response symptoms, including sadness, anxiousness, agitation, fatigue, numbness, confusion, physical arousal (high adrenaline), and more. Normally, these feelings subside with time. The body slowly comes down out of its heightened arousal in the days and weeks following the event. The internal alarms turn off and the body can reset itself to a normal state of balance. However, with PTSD persistent symptoms or clusters of symptoms can occur for a month or longer—or they can appear sometimes months or years later. PTSD can develop in anyone as a response to traumatic events; it is not a sign of personal weakness. Research indicates that women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD, in part, due to a higher likelihood of being victims of adult and child sexual abuse. People who struggle with depression or anxiety, or who have little social support may be more likely to develop PTSD—and some may be genetically predisposed.

HOW COMMON IS PTSD?

It’s estimated that 70 percent of people worldwide will experience a trauma in their lifetime, according to one published world survey. In the U.S., the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) estimates that roughly 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one trauma in their lives. It’s estimated that roughly 6% of Americans suffer from PTSD. When PTSD goes untreated, it can affect all aspects of an individual’s functioning causing a wide array of serious symptoms and even leading to suicide.

CONSEQUENCES OF PTSD

PTSD is a serious disorder with far-reaching consequences. Indeed, studies have shown that PTSD puts one at greater risk for substance use disorder, anxiety, suicidal behavior, high-risk behaviors, depression, and a number of serious health issues and mental health disorders. Work performance and social relationships in the family, workplace, and community can also be adversely affected, according to research.  It can affect loved ones too. It’s not uncommon among spouses of veterans with PTSD, to experience PTSD symptoms as well. It’s vital to be able to recognize the symptoms of PTSD.

THE FOUR SYMPTOM CLUSTERS OF PTSD

With PTSD diagnosis, individuals typically experience one or two or more of the symptoms listed in each group or cluster listed below for one month or longer (and not as a result of medication, substance use, or illness). The symptoms are usually pronounced enough to cause considerable distress or difficulty in multiple areas of one’s life.

1. Intrusive Thoughts or Memories

An individual with PTSD will experience one or more of the following symptoms: For example, an individual who experienced a head-on collision in their car might describe intrusive images of seeing smoke, glass, and debris scattered everywhere and hearing the loud bang of the airbag release.

2. Avoidance

An individual with PTSD will show at least one avoidant-type symptom such as: For example, a car accident survivor may avoid driving near the accident site—or may stop driving altogether. Or a first responder may try to shut down feelings of sadness about a tragic event or series of tragic events they had to attend to.

3. Negative Thought Patterns and Mood

An individual with PTSD will show at least two of the following negative thought patterns or moods: For example, someone with exhibiting this cluster of symptoms might have a persistent thought of “I’m a bad person” or “You can’t trust anybody.”

4. Changes in physical and emotional reactions

An individual with PTSD will have at least two of the following changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called “arousal” systems): For example, common self-destructive behavior might be starting to drink too much or drive too fast.

DIAGNOSING AND TREATING PTSD

If you recognize symptoms from each cluster in yourself or a loved one, reach out to a mental health professional for an evaluation. Be aware that PTSD symptoms overlap with many other conditions, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), so it’s important to find a professional who understands this. A 2015 neuroimaging study at Amen Clinics published in Plos One shows that brain SPECT imaging can distinguish PTSD from TBI and identify co-occurring disorders. An accurate diagnosis is key to getting the most effective treatment. Treatment recommendations for PTSD include several types of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. People who get treatment for PTSD can improve the quality of their lives. They learn skills to better cope with their condition, and in many cases, symptoms can improve or resolve completely. PTSD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Talk therapy can be beneficial for overcoming trauma and other mental health conditions, but it can dredge up uncomfortable emotions, and it can take a long time to see results. What if there was a therapeutic option that worked more quickly without the emotional challenges? There is, and it’s called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. First developed in the 1980s, and now widely embraced by mental health professionals, EMDR has been shown to treat a number of conditions, most notably trauma, adverse childhood events, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as related mental health issues. And experts suggest it may be more effective than traditional talk therapy. Case studies and research are indicating that EMDR therapy may be helpful in alleviating a number of mental health conditions related to trauma, such as depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other psychiatric conditions.
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The process involves an EMDR therapist leading a patient through a series of bilateral (side-to-side) eye movements as they recall traumatic or triggering experiences in small segments until the painful memories no longer cause distress. EMDR essentially reduces symptoms of trauma by changing how memories are stored in our brains. What’s more, preliminary case studies and research are indicating that EMDR therapy may be helpful in alleviating a number of mental health conditions related to trauma. Here’s what you need to know about this relatively new psychotherapeutic treatment and what conditions it can help.

THE ORIGINS OF EMDR

EMDR was first developed by a psychologist named Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. She conducted a study focused on 22 subjects who had suffered some form of trauma.  After undergoing an initial EMDR therapy session plus follow-ups at 1 and 3 months out, the study showed that EMDR successfully “desensitized” patients’ traumatic memories and “dramatically altered their cognitive understanding” of the situation. Additionally, they experienced behavioral changes, which included being freed of their primary complaints of intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, interrupted sleep, low self-esteem, and relationship issues. The remarkable findings were published in 1989 in the Journal of Traumatic Stress.

HOW EMDR LESSENS TRAUMA

A traumatic event or series of events triggers the body’s fight-or-flight stress response, which is designed to increase our chances of survival. However, with trauma, the brain doesn’t process the event(s) properly, and it fails to file the memory as a past event. The stress response stays engaged, and the brain stays alert to danger, even when it is safe. Sights, sounds, or smells, get attached to the trauma memory, and they can become triggers. EMDR therapy helps our brain to process the traumatic memory that has the stress response and triggers associated with it and allows for natural healing to occur. The fight-or-flight response is essentially removed from the memory, yet the memory is retained. The memory of the trauma seems to be reconsolidated in such a way that it no longer causes severe distress when later recalled. When the PTSD symptoms are resolved or lessened, other conditions are helped too.

5 MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM EMDR

1. PTSD

There are several forms of trauma: Nonviolent (emotional) trauma, adverse childhood events, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They all affect the nervous system and storage of traumatic memories in a similar fashion. PTSD is the #1 condition EMDR was developed to help. As such, there’s a wealth of compelling research indicating its efficacy. For example, a 2018 review of EMDR used to resolve PTSD examined a total of 2 meta-analyses and 4 randomized-controlled trials. The review concluded that EMDR therapy showed an improved diagnosis of PTSD and reduced its symptoms. It also helped reduce other trauma-related symptoms. What’s more, the studies reviewed indicated EMDR therapy to be more effective than other trauma treatments. An earlier 2014 review of 24 randomized controlled studies suggested benefits from EMDR therapy for emotional trauma and adverse life events. In some of the reviewed studies, 84% to 90% of people who experienced a single trauma found relief from PTSD symptoms after just 3 EMDR sessions. A Kaiser Permanente study involving 67 individuals with trauma assigned participants to either standard care treatment or EMDR. Compared to standard care, the EMDR group showed significantly greater improvement on measures of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and a later follow-up showed the improvements were maintained at 3 and 6 months. The American Psychiatric Association and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have recognized EMDR therapy as an effective treatment for PTSD.

2. Depression

Because EMDR has been proven to reduce rumination in patients with traumatic grief, researchers are now exploring it as a therapy to help those who suffer from major depressive disorder. So far, the research is promising. A 2013 review found evidence that EMDR may be a potential new approach to treating depression but suggested that more evidence-based studies are needed to be conclusive. More recently, research published in 2018 examined eight subjects with depression undergoing EMDR. Of the eight people engaged with the treatment, seven of them had shown “clinically significant and statistically reliable” improvement on the Hamilton Rating Scale for depression. The researchers concluded that EMDR is a feasible treatment for both recurrent and chronic depression. A 2021 meta-analysis of 11 studies went further claiming that “EMDR may be considered an effective treatment for improving symptoms of depression, with effects comparable to other active treatments.” However, it recommended more studies on the long-term effects of EMDR.

3. Eating Disorders

Eating disorders have proven difficult to treat through conventional methods. Mental health experts are now exploring EMDR as a way to help since eating disorders are often a maladaptive response to traumatic experiences. In one clinical case study, EMDR therapy played a critical role in the recovery of unremitting anorexia nervosa in a 17-year-old inpatient, helping her to return to a normal weight that was maintained at 12 and 24 months post-treatment. Another case report that examined EMDR and emotional eating found that the participant experienced an overall positive change in eating behavior. It also stated that EMDR might help to reduce weight over time and to improve results in maintaining weight after weight loss. A 2017 review published in Clinical Neuropsychiatry: Journal of Treatment Evaluation, concluded that EMDR holds promise for treating eating disorders, but recommended more scientific research for efficacy to be confirmed.

4. Substance Abuse

Similar to eating disorders, substance abuse issues are often associated with trauma and PTSD.  When EMDR has been used to treat both trauma and substance abuse, so far, research indicates positive results, although further investigation is needed. A case study followed 4 individuals suffering from both PTSD and substance abuse issues who underwent EMDR. The results suggested that the treatment of PTSD with the standard EMDR protocol “can have a positive effect on substance abuse disorder symptoms up to at least 12 months posttreatment.”

5. Comorbid Psychiatric Issues

In a review study titled “EMDR: Beyond PTSD” researchers claim that solid evidence shows that traumatic events can contribute to the onset of psychiatric disorders and can worsen their prognosis. The researchers sought to find if EMDR could help psychiatric comorbidities to trauma, including bipolar disorder, unipolar depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and chronic back pain. The review concluded that the available evidence shows that EMDR therapy improves trauma-associated symptoms in patients with comorbid psychiatric conditions. Additionally, it suggested that EMDR therapy could be useful in improving psychotic or affective symptoms, as well as helping with chronic pain conditions.

EMDR: A Viable Therapeutic Tool

The bottom line of the research on PTSD and other conditions shows that EMDR therapy is a viable and powerful psychotherapeutic tool on its own or in conjunction with other therapies. Post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health disorders can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.