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Differential Symptoms of PTSD

The National Institute of Health states that the symptoms of PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, occur after a traumatic event. Dr. Harold Cohen states that PTSD symptoms can seem like those of other anxiety disorders, but there are distinct differences. There are many other types of disorders such as manic depression and bipolar disorder that exhibit the same symptoms, and therefore diagnosing PTSD based on symptoms alone is not commonly done by healthcare professionals.

  1. Symptoms

    • PTSD has recurring thoughts as a symptom and the types of thoughts help to distinguish the type of PTSD disorder. Re-experiencing differential symptoms such as avoiding certain things or places attached to the PTSD are frequent, as well as re-experiencing the actual event. Intrusive memories of the event or dreams about the event, feeling and acting like the event is still going on as well as mental or physical discomfort when the event is brought up or on the anniversary of the event is also common. Avoiding thoughts, feelings, people or situations that remind of the event or not being able to recall aspects of the event, as well as reduced interest in activities the person used to enjoy are all symptoms. Feeling completely disconnected from others and having thoughts of not having a normal life span or career is also common.

    Diagnosing

    • This disorder is commonly unrecognized or misdiagnosed according to Dr. Harold Cohen. This is a disorder that is not just identified by symptoms but also by the event that caused the disorder. Talking about the event can create painful emotions, and therefore the patient may refuse to talk about it, leading the psychologist or psychiatrist to the conclusion of the possibility of PTSD. It may take more than one appointment or visit with a psychiatrist or psychologist to help determine if PTSD is a possibility, as many patients do not open up completely on the first visit.

    Emotions

    • Feelings of shame and guilt related to the event make it hard for patients to talk about the event, and therefore since other disorders such as depression exhibit the same symptoms, misdiagnosis is common. Ignoring the signs of PTSD is common when it comes to the health professionals, due to the lack of information that patients give the professionals. Many patients do not realize they are having these types of emotional troubles and simply do not relay the information to the health care professionals they see.

    Treatment

    • Many types of antidepressants are used in the treatment of PTSD, along with psychotherapy. This therapy can be done in groups or on a one-on-one basis, although one-on-one treatments seem to have a better outcome. The psychologist or psychiatrist attending to the patient can best determine which type of therapy and medication treatments will work best for the situation and type of PTSD. PTSD seems to respond well to CBT, or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

    Prognosis

    • This will vary from person to person, because some people regain normal functioning, while others take years to make the smallest steps toward their old life before the event. Medications and therapy can help in regaining substantial quality of life for most patients, while some simply do not recover. The prognosis of the disease varies greatly, and therefore a psychologist or psychiatrist would have to make that determination on an individual basis.

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