How to Identify PTSD and C-PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a condition caused by traumatic events, such as rape, a car crash, child abuse, witnessing a death or violent crime, or a near death experience. When faced with a life threatening situation, the brain releases a huge amount of adrenaline. This adrenaline can leave an imprint on the brain that leads to a condition known as PTSD.

Another form of PTSD is known as Complex or C-PTSD. While currently not included in the DSM, many psychologists and psychiatrists consider it a valid diagnosis. C-PTSD is caused by long term abuse or neglect. It is common in suffers of child abuse or victims of a kidnapping.

There are many symptoms of PTSD, many of them are frequently overlooked. If you're experiencing symptoms you believe may be associated with PTSD or C-PTSD it is best to get in touch with a psychiatrist who can help you work through the traumatic event.

Symptoms of PTSD and C-PTSD

Sudden or frequent nausea/dizziness/faintness

Pain in the chest/heart

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Rapid breathing

Rapid heart rate

Inability to catch breath

Difficulty making decisions

Poor apatite

Difficulty taking care of physical or emotional needs

Difficulty starting or completing tasks and projects

Fear that other's are talking about you

Fear that other's don't like you

Sudden feelings of sadness, anger, or fear with or without provocation

Vivid nightmares

Distressing feelings of loneliness

Feeling that others cannot be trusted

Nervousness/shaking

Muscle jerks, especially in limbs

Jumpiness

Episodes of disassociation - severe daydreaming or zoning out

Feeling that there is no future, you have no future, your life/future will be prematurely cut off

Sudden blankness of the mind

Forgetfulness/memory loss

Argumentativeness/aggression/irritability

Selective mutism

Nervousness when left alone

Periods of inability to feel close to other people

Feeling that people will take advantage of you if you do not protect yourself

Feelings of guilt or shame

Feeling that you deserve to be punished

Boredom

Periods of restlessness - just wanting to move around or frequent fidgeting

Dwelling on negative events, comments, or interactions

Memory loss surrounding the trauma

Preoccupation with acceptance or approval

Self harm/self punishing

Phobias

Anti-social or disconnected behavior

No or limited interest in peers

Periods of disconnection from reality

Stutter or other speech impediment

Lack of emotions - feeling neutral

Difficulty relaxing - always being alert

Displaying any or all of these symptoms does not necessarily lead to a diagnosis of PTSD or C-PTSD. Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about your symptoms and treatment options.

For more information visit: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml