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You are here: Home / Trauma and PTSD / What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

December 3, 2020 by Karen Conlon, LCSW

Woman suffering due to PTSD.

Most of us won’t get through life without stress and also heartache. But, some of us will experience actual trauma. As a matter of fact, the majority of adults have experienced some form of trauma. Many of us recover emotionally from accidents, assaults, and abuse, though some will have more long-term symptoms caused by trauma. This is known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition where the mind is unable to process an event as it ordinarily does. 

As a result of this condition, the brain misfires information. In that case, the person lives much of their life in distress, as if the event were undeniably still happening to them. 

Many people mistakenly think that post-traumatic stress disorder explicitly happens to combat veterans and police officers. In truth, more than 1 in 10 who have survived trauma will experience post-traumatic symptoms. 

Overall, like a wound that hasn’t healed properly, these issues cause lots of pain to those affected by them.

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

There are many symptoms associated with PTSD, significantly:

  • Nightmares
  • Flashbacks
  • Physical and emotional distress at reminders
  • Avoidance of internal and external reminders
  • Dissociative amnesia
  • Negative beliefs about oneself and the world
  • Distorted blame of oneself
  • Negative persistent emotional states
  • Loss of interests
  • Detachment from loved ones
  • Hypervigilance
  • Exaggerated startle response
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability or outbursts of anger
  • Self-destructive or reckless behavior

Causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Researchers are not completely clear on why some experience PTSD and others don’t. Firstly, what makes one soldier come home from war with PTSD, and secondly, why not another?  

In reality, the development of PTSD comes from a combination of complex factors. Neurological factors, stress, life experience, personality, and genetics all play a role.

In addition, pre-traumatic psychological factors, like low self-esteem, may increase the risk factor for developing PTSD.

How Can Trauma be Treated?

Presently, the most common form of treatment for PTSD is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves meeting regularly with a specially-trained therapist to learn strategies to reduce and eliminate symptoms of PTSD. These symptoms may include recurring thoughts, emotional numbness, sleep issues, and concentration problems.

Beyond finding a trained therapist, it’s important to find one you and your family feel comfortable with. Make sure to interview a few to see who might help you on your journey to wellness.


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    About the author(s)

    Karen Conlon, LCSW

    Karen is the founder and Clinical Director of Cohesive Therapy NYC. She earned a Masters in Social Work from New York University and has extensive training in Hypnosis, Anxiety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brainspotting, and DGBI. She is a member of the Institute of Certified Anxiety Treatment Professionals, The Rome Foundation, the National Association of Social Workers, The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, and the American Social of Clinical Hypnosis.

    About Cohesive Therapy NYC

    At Cohesive Therapy NYC, we believe that you have an immense amount of inner strength and resilience, even if it is yet to be discovered. Cohesive Therapy NYC is a private group psychotherapy practice in New York City that focuses on treating adults who struggle with Anxiety, Trauma, Chronic Illness, and the adult impact of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). Cohesive Therapy NYC therapists see clients all throughout New York State (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, and statewide) using online therapy and are also available for in-person visits in their NYC offices, located at 59 East 54th Street, New York, NY 10022. We specialize in helping people who are dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, chronic illness, and digestive and adult trauma related to childhood family dynamics. We all deserve a chance to be well and have support.

    Filed Under: Trauma and PTSD

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    • Karen Conlon, LCSW CCATP
    • Danielle DiCamillo, LCSW
    • Rachel Kaplan, LCSW
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    The information included on this website is solely for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for health care or medical treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Do not rely on any of the information for diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any questions, you should contact your health care provider. If you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 immediately.

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