Examining PTSD Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment in Ohio

“Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event,” explains the Mayo Clinic.

Having served in the United States military, I hold a special place in my heart for all my brothers and sisters in uniform, no matter their branch of service, because many of them suffer from PTSD.

However, PTSD does not just impact those in military service. Men, women, and children who have experienced traumas also contend with PTSD due to troubling events in their own lives.

PTSD may not have impacted all of them, but one can certainly understand any traumas they’ve endured and sympathize with their pain or loss.

June is National PTSD Awareness Month, and on behalf of Home Helpers, Damey and I are examining PTSD risk factors, symptoms, and treatment in Ohio to help inform and guide you or someone you know with this complex mental health condition.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center says, “Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. There are certain risk factors that may put someone at an increased risk of their symptoms being diagnosed as PTSD. Recognizing and addressing these risk factors can help prevent PTSD in some cases.”

Risk Factors for PTSD

PTSD risk factors include:

• Experiencing a traumatic event
• Lack of family or social support
• Diagnosis of another mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety
• Family history of mental health conditions
• History of childhood trauma
• History of borderline personality disorder, paranoia, dependency or antisocial tendencies

“It’s important to remember that just because you have these risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll develop PTSD. And likewise, if you don’t have these risk factors, you can still develop PTSD after a traumatic event,” explains OSU Wexner Medical.

Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms of PTSD may not occur right away. In some cases, symptoms develop within a month or so following a traumatic event. In other cases, it may be years before symptoms arise. Professionals have grouped these symptoms into four types:

Intrusive Memories – Symptoms include:

• Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
• Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again, commonly known as flashbacks
• Disturbing dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
• Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something reminiscent of the event

Avoidance – Symptoms include:

• Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
• Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood – Symptoms include:

• Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world
• Hopelessness about the future
• Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the trauma
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Feeling detached from family and friends
• Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
• Feeling emotionally numb

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions – Symptoms include:

• Being easily startled or frightened
• Always being on guard for danger
• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
• Difficulty sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
• Overwhelming guilt or shame

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these types of PTSD symptoms, the Mayo Clinic recommends getting help as soon as possible to prevent the symptoms from getting worse over time. If symptoms persist for more than a month, it’s important to consult with a medical or mental health professional as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one with PTSD is having suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately through one or more of the following resources:

• Reach out to a close friend or loved one
• Contact a minister, spiritual leader, or someone in your community of faith
• Contact a suicide hotline 24/7/365. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (free and confidential)
• Use Lifeline Chat (free and confidential)
• Make an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional

Call 911 if you think you might hurt yourself or attempt suicide! If you know someone is feeling suicidal or has attempted suicide, it is best to have someone stay with them to ensure they stay safe.

“Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

PTSD Treatment

OSU Wexner Medical is recognized as a leader in diagnosing and treating PTSD in Ohio, using evidence-based psychotherapies offered individually, in a group setting, or via telehealth.

The psychotherapies that research shows as most effective in treating PTSD symptoms include:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – A type of cognitive behavioral therapy, this treatment is typically delivered over 10-12 appointments and helps you learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to trauma. In doing that, you’ll create a new understanding of the traumatic event, so it reduces its negative effects on current life.
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) – Another type of cognitive behavioral therapy, this treatment is also typically delivered over 10-12 appointments and consists of repeatedly telling the story of a disturbing traumatic memory followed by processing your thoughts and feelings about the story. The therapy also involves in-vivo exposure, which teaches you how to resume going to places that you’ve been avoiding because of the trauma, learning about PTSD and training in controlled breathing.

“Multiple research studies show that over 80% of people who receive and complete one of these psychotherapies report significant improvement in their symptoms and over half no longer have the diagnosis of PTSD,” OSU Wexner Medical says.

Medications, such as antidepressants, may also be helpful when treating PTSD symptoms.

In addition, OSU Wexner Medical offers two specific programs led by mental health professionals to help people with unique situations.

Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative (STRIVE)

Initially established to help military personnel and veterans dealing with PTSD or suicidal thoughts, this internationally recognized program provides treatment to adults from all backgrounds who are dealing with these mental health conditions. STRIVE researchers and clinicians have pioneered methods to improve treatment outcomes for people with PTSD and suicidal thoughts, with over 70% of people receiving treatment from STRIVE reporting significant reductions in symptoms and improvements in quality of life. STRIVE’s success comes from its view of PTSD as an injury rather than a chronic disorder.

Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (STAR)

STAR is a dedicated team whose sole purpose is the identification, education, and treatment of those who have survived crime and the people who support them. STAR provides support services for first responders, health care workers, and victims of violence.

Home Helpers employs exceptional caregivers who are available 24/7/365 to assist you or a loved one who has been impacted by a traumatic event or who suffers from PTSD.

Our compassionate caregivers are skillfully trained to provide a variety of in-home care services and support. Damey and I are happy to schedule a FREE consultation at your convenience to assess specific needs and determine ways we can help make life easier.

Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and International Franchise Association. Additionally, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.

Home Helpers® Canton is Making Life Easier™ every day for male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas. 330.892.9329

Sources:

Mayo Clinic

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center