2024-11-30 18:38:00
Post-traumatic stress disorder o Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder characterized by the appearance of specific symptoms after exposure to a stressful and extremely traumatic event.
But sometimes this condition is not diagnosed correctly. This is what the doctor claims tiktoker Dr. Ahmedwho recorded a video in which he states that “we need to diagnose PTSD better and treat it better.”
The reason is that “one in three people who have had a traumatic experience will have this condition.
“In PTSD you relive an experience that was traumatic for you. This is the key: a traumatic experience for you. “sometimes we assume that an experience isn’t traumatic, but it varies from person to person,” Ahmed says.
“Yes, most cognitive trauma can be assault, sexual abuse, childbirth, or serious illness. However, it can be almost every experience this is experienced as traumatic”, he adds.
Ahmed says in the video that symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can “divide into four general categories.”
Relive the event
“Reliving the event can include flashback, nightmares or sweating or feeling pain again, physically the same as what you experienced when you suffered the trauma,” the doctor says.
Emotional avoidance or numbness
“The second set of symptoms is avoidance or emotional numbness. this is where we tend to ignore and avoid situations or people that remind us of the event,” continues Ahmed.
The doctor adds that people with post-traumatic stress disorder “can avoid talking about the topic or avoid people who remind them of their traumatic experience.
Hyperexcitability or irritability
When talking about the third set of symptoms like “hyperexcitement or irritability”Dr. Ahmed says “this can cause problems or difficulty concentrating.”
Anxiety, depression or self-harm
Ahmed says it’s the fourth set of symptoms that can make the condition tough to detect. “It’s this set of symptoms that I think sometimes confuses us, because it can include things like anxiety, depression or self-harm“he adds.
“And as of that, I think sometimes PTSD is diagnosed as anxiety or depression and anxiety and depression are treated “It’s different from PTSD.”he concludes.
What are the common misconceptions about PTSD and its symptoms?
Understanding and Diagnosing PTSD: An Interview wiht Dr. Ahmed
Time.news Editor: Today, we have the esteemed Dr. Ahmed, a mental health expert who has been shedding light on the crucial subject of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Thank you for joining us,Dr. Ahmed.
Dr. Ahmed: Thank you for having me! It’s vital to discuss these topics, as they affect so many lives.
Time.news Editor: LetS start at the beginning. What exactly is PTSD, and how can it be misunderstood?
Dr. Ahmed: PTSD is a mental disorder that arises following exposure to a traumatic event. It can manifest through various symptoms specific to the individual’s experience. The misunderstanding often arises because we might assume what is traumatic for one person isn’t traumatic for another. In fact,research shows that one in three people will encounter PTSD after a traumatic experience,which emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that experiences that lead to PTSD can vary substantially. What are some examples of these experiences?
Dr. Ahmed: Certainly! While many people associate PTSD with serious events like assault, sexual abuse, or severe illness, almost any experience can be seen as traumatic depending on individual perception. Even childbirth can lead to PTSD for some.The key is that it’s about how the person emotionally processes that experience.
Time.news Editor: It’s engaging yet concerning how individual experiences shape our responses. Can you elaborate on the symptoms of PTSD?
Dr. Ahmed: Absolutely. I categorize them into four main groups. The first is reliving the event, which includes flashbacks and nightmares. This can create a physical reaction similar to the original trauma. Then, we have emotional avoidance or numbness where individuals may steer clear of anything that reminds them of the event.
The third category is hyperexcitability or irritability. People may find it difficult to concentrate or may become easily agitated. Lastly, there are symptoms of anxiety, depression, or self-harm, which frequently enough complicate diagnosis, as these symptoms can be misidentified as general anxiety or depression rather of PTSD.
Time.news Editor: That’s a crucial point about misdiagnosis. What implications does this have for treatment?
Dr. Ahmed: It’s significant. When PTSD is misdiagnosed,related issues may not be effectively addressed,leading to inadequate treatment. As a notable example, treating someone only for anxiety or depression without recognizing the underlying PTSD can hinder their recovery. A proper PTSD diagnosis opens the door to targeted therapies, which can dramatically improve outcomes.
Time.news Editor: For readers looking for practical advice, what steps should be taken if someone suspects they may have PTSD?
Dr.Ahmed: I recommend seeking professional help from a mental health provider who specializes in trauma. They can conduct thorough assessments to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, it’s essential for individuals to engage in self-care practices, such as mindfulness and establishing a support network of friends and family who understand their experiences.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like awareness and education are key components. How can society better understand and support those affected by PTSD?
Dr. Ahmed: Society needs to consider mental health on the same level as physical health. By fostering an surroundings where conversations around PTSD are open and stigma-free, we can encourage more individuals to seek help. Awareness campaigns can also educate the public on what PTSD is, its symptoms, and where to find help.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ahmed, for your insights on PTSD. It’s crucial that we continue to spread awareness and understanding of this condition.
Dr. Ahmed: Thank you for the possibility. The more we talk about PTSD, the more we can help others heal.
this engagement with Dr. Ahmed highlights the complexities of PTSD and underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the need for society to foster understanding and support for those suffering from this condition.