There are 5 types of PTSD, but did you know that more than 6% of the population in the United States is battling with this condition? About fifteen million citizens! [According to the U.S. Apartment of Veterans Affairs] PTSD can affect any person who has experienced a traumatic event, regardless of the level of fear or potential level of harm. This could be from a car accident, an earthquake, or an event like war. People who have PTSD are easily startled, avoid situations that bring up the memory of the trauma, and are usually unable to recall or talk about certain aspects of the traumatic event. Does that sound like you? Let’s break it down even further by looking at the different types, their causes, symptoms, and treatments!
Table of Contents
Types of PTSD
1. Acute PTSD
PTSD has different subtypes and it classes depending on the manifestation of the symptoms. Thus, when symptoms last for 1-3 months, it was/is known and referred to as acute PTSD. This timeline helps healthcare givers know which approach fits well in treatment and support.
Common causes
Acute PTSD results from traumatic experiences like car accidents, natural disasters, rape, assault, etc.
Symptoms
PTSD can mess with both your mind and body. You might find yourself reliving the scary event, complete with unwanted thoughts and nightmares keeping you up. Feeling anxious and on edge becomes the new normal. Racing heart, quick breaths, sweating all of a sudden. It is as if your mind is constantly in ‘fight or flight mode,’ even when you are not in danger.
Treatment
Catching and treating Acute PTSD early is super important. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is often the go-to treatment, there are other options. They are:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Exposure Therapy
- Medication
- Mindfulness techniques
- Group therapy
2. Chronic PTSD
When the symptoms last for more than over 3 months, it is referred to as chronic PTSD. Chronic PTSD is not necessarily worse than acute PTSD, but it can continue for a longer duration of time.
Common Causes
Chronic PTSD often results from long-lasting or repeated traumas. Think about things like ongoing combat exposure, long-term abuse, or extended periods of danger. It’s like your brain’s constantly on high alert that it forgets to relax.
Symptoms
Chronic PTSD can take a toll on your life. You might find yourself:
- Reliving the trauma over and over
- Avoiding anything that reminds you of what happened
- Battling negative thoughts and feelings
- Feeling constantly on edge
It can also lead to other issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and trouble maintaining relationships.
3. Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) has elements so severe that it has often been termed PTSD on steroids. It arises from a trauma that persists for months or even years, and most often, during developmental psychobiological sensitive periods. As opposed to acute or chronic PTSD that can result from one or multiple trauma events, CPTSD is likely to develop in the context of a chronic toxic environment.
Common Causes
- CPTSD often results from prolonged, repeated traumas like:
- Childhood abuse (sexual, physical, or emotional)
- Domestic violence
- Human trafficking
- Long-term kidnapping or imprisonment
Symptoms
CPTSD includes the usual PTSD symptoms plus some extras:
- Trouble managing emotions
- A persistent negative self-image
- Difficulties in relationships
- Deep feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness
- Dissociation (feeling disconnected from yourself or reality)
Treatment
Treating CPTSD is a whole different ball game. It usually involves:
- Specialized, long-term therapy approaches
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Trauma-informed approaches
- Support from professionals experienced in complex trauma
- A phased recovery process
4. Comorbid PTSD
Comorbid PTSD means that having post-traumatic stress disorder alone is not enough; but there is another equally unpleasant guest in your life. It happens when PTSD co-occurs with other mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, SUD, EDs, or PD. This tag-team can make diagnosis and treatment tricky because symptoms often overlap.
Common Causes
Comorbid PTSD can develop in a few ways:
- PTSD and other disorders might stem from the same traumatic event
- PTSD might lead to developing another condition (like depression or substance abuse)
An existing condition might make someone more vulnerable to PTSD after trauma. Trauma opens the door, and other issues sneak in, too.
Symptoms
With comorbid PTSD, you’re dealing with a mixed bag of symptoms:
- Regular PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance, hyperarousal
- Symptoms of the co-occurring disorders are:
- Persistent low mood or depression
- Excessive worry, panic attacks, or anxiety disorders
- Substance dependence issues
- Disordered eating behaviors
Treatment
Treating comorbid PTSD is a bit like solving a puzzle. It usually involves:
- A “dual diagnosis” approach that addresses both PTSD and the co-occurring disorders
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PTSD symptoms
- Additional therapies or medications for other conditions (e.g., antidepressants, substance abuse counseling)
- A team of mental health professionals working together
- Coordinated treatment plans that tackle multiple symptoms at once
5. Delayed-Onset PTSD
Delayed-onset PTSD is almost like a ticking time bomb. The trauma may take hours, days, or years to manifest. This can make it hard to approach because the issues may no longer seem related to the abuse.
Common Causes
Here are the common causes of PTSD:
- A new stressful event
- Getting older
- Losing support systems
- Declining physical or mental health
- Injury
- Weakening of coping skills over time
Symptoms
Delayed-onset PTSD symptoms are similar to other types of PTSD:
- Reliving the traumatic event
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma
- Adverse changes in thoughts and mood
- Increased reactivity or sensitivity
Treatment
Treating delayed-onset PTSD can be complex, but there are practical approaches:
- Cognitive restructuring to link current Symptoms with past trauma
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Addressing new triggers that may have led to the delayed onset
- Building a strong therapeutic relationship to tackle layers of psychological responses
- Involving family, friends, and community support
Conclusion
PTSD can change your life in more ways than one. It changes your relationships, your physical health, and your mental health. So, getting help should be your priority!
Each type of PTSD has its own set of symptoms and treatments. Understanding how each of these is different can help identify and treat this mental condition faster. That’s what you want, right?
