Q: Who should I consult for treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
A: A primary care physician has to be consulted initially followed by a licensed mental health professional who can help with the right form of treatment for your symptoms.
Q: Is PTSD a type of anxiety disorder?
A: Yes it is but it can also be coupled with other anxiety disorders and depression.
Q: Is PTSD considered a mood disorder?
A: Yes. It can also be called a type of mood disorder as symptoms of PTSD include feeling negative, emotionally numb and not wanting to take part in activities they once enjoyed. Also, it occurs along with depression which is a mood disorder.
Q: What are the resilience factors that may reduce the risk of PTSD?
A: Seeking family and friends support or a support group after the traumatic event, feeling good about the action and responding effectively in the face of danger and coping well with the event and learning from it are resilience factors that can reduce the risk of PTSD.
Q: What are the common resilient practices shown by people when faced with stress?
A: Accepting what cannot be changed, being optimistic and facing the fear, learning from role models, staying physically and mentally fit and seeking social / religious /spiritual support are some of the practices shown by people.
Q: Is it necessary to seek medical care?
A: Like any other mental illness, victims resist and delay when they have to seek medical help. Some victims are able to bounce back without medical help. When symptoms persist for more than a month (irrespective of when they start) and affect day to day functioning, it is time to get medical help. The victim is the best judge of the situation but close friends and family must monitor the symptoms and urge the victim to seek medical help when they notice the symptoms getting worse.
Q: How long does it take to get better with medical help?
A: With treatment, symptoms exist for 36 months compared to without treatment when symptoms exist for 64 months. However, one-third of patients with PTSD never recover fully.
Q: What is the Prognosis of PTSD?
A: Prognosis depends on rapid, thorough treatment, social support, not facing the trauma again and absence of other comorbid disorders.
