Ptsd's Emotional Side: Understanding The Impact And Trauma

Emotional PTSD is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by emotional trauma, such as the death of a loved one, a serious accident, or a natural disaster. Emotional trauma can also be caused by ongoing experiences like abuse, neglect, or bullying. Emotional PTSD is caused by the same biological and psychological factors as traditional PTSD, with traumatic events triggering the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can cause changes in the brain and body. The main difference between the two is the type of trauma that causes the disorder. Traditional PTSD is caused by physical trauma, such as combat or sexual assault, whereas emotional PTSD is caused by emotional trauma. Emotional PTSD may also present different symptoms, with more symptoms related to depression and anxiety, while traditional PTSD may cause more symptoms related to hypervigilance and avoidance.

Emotional PTSD symptoms and signs

Emotional PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is indeed a recognised condition. It is a natural response to a traumatic situation, and most people will recover from their symptoms over time. However, those who continue to experience symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD.

Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within three months of the traumatic event, but they can also emerge later. To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must experience the following for at least one month:

• At least one re-experiencing symptom, such as flashbacks, recurring memories or dreams related to the event, and distressing thoughts.
• At least one avoidance symptom, such as staying away from places, events, or objects that trigger memories of the trauma, and avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the event.
• At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms, including being easily startled, feeling tense and on edge, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, irritability, and engaging in risky or destructive behaviour.
• At least two cognition and mood symptoms, such as trouble remembering key features of the event, negative thoughts about oneself or the world, ongoing negative emotions like fear, anger, and guilt, loss of interest in previous activities, and feelings of social isolation and detachment.

Complex PTSD

There is also a condition called Complex PTSD (c-PTSD or CPTSD), which is a more severe form of the disorder. It involves the symptoms of PTSD along with additional symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty controlling emotions
• Feelings of anger or distrust towards the world
• Constant feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
• Feeling permanently damaged or worthless
• Avoiding friendships and relationships
• Experiencing dissociative symptoms, physical symptoms like headaches and stomach aches, and regular suicidal feelings

Emotional PTSD causes

Emotional PTSD, or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), is indeed a recognised condition. It is characterised by symptoms of PTSD alongside other symptoms, such as difficulty controlling emotions, feelings of anger or distrust towards the world, and constant feelings of emptiness or hopelessness.

The causes of emotional PTSD are varied and often severe. The following traumatic events can lead to emotional PTSD:

• Childhood abuse, neglect, or abandonment
• Ongoing domestic violence or abuse
• Repeatedly witnessing violence or abuse
• Being forced or manipulated into prostitution
• Torture, kidnapping, or slavery
• Being a prisoner of war

Additionally, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing emotional PTSD. These include:

• Experiencing trauma at a young age
• Prolonged duration of the trauma
• Lack of escape or rescue from the traumatic situation
• Multiple traumatic experiences
• Being harmed by someone close to the individual

It is important to note that not everyone who experiences these traumas will develop emotional PTSD. The development of this condition is influenced by various factors, including individual resilience, social support, and coping strategies.

Emotional PTSD effects

Emotional PTSD, or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), is indeed a recognised condition. It is characterised by symptoms of PTSD alongside other additional symptoms.

People with emotional PTSD may experience the following:

• Difficulty controlling their emotions
• Feelings of intense anger or distrust towards the world
• Constant feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
• Feeling as if they are permanently damaged or worthless
• Feeling as if they are completely different from other people
• Feeling like no one can understand what they have been through
• Avoiding friendships and relationships or finding them very difficult
• Dissociative symptoms such as depersonalisation or derealisation
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, chest pains, and stomach aches
• Regular suicidal feelings
• Intense feelings of fear, shame, sadness, or despair

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing emotional PTSD include:

• Exposure to previous traumatic experiences, especially during childhood
• Experiencing trauma over a long period
• Experiencing trauma with no chance of escape or rescue
• Experiencing multiple traumas
• Being harmed by someone close to the individual

Emotional PTSD treatment options

Emotional PTSD is not a recognised term in the medical community. However, the symptoms you may be referring to are likely to be those of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (complex PTSD). This is a condition where an individual experiences some symptoms of PTSD along with additional symptoms such as difficulty controlling emotions, feelings of anger or distrust towards the world, and constant feelings of emptiness.

There are several treatment options for complex PTSD, including:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on the relationships between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It targets current problems and symptoms and aims to change patterns of behaviours, thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in functioning. CBT is typically delivered over 12-16 sessions in either an individual or group format.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT is a specific type of CBT that helps patients learn how to modify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. CPT is generally delivered over 12 sessions, helping patients to create a new understanding of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on their life.

Cognitive Therapy

Derived from CBT, cognitive therapy involves modifying the pessimistic evaluations and memories of trauma, with the goal of interrupting the disturbing behavioural and/or thought patterns that have been interfering in the person’s daily life. This treatment is typically delivered in weekly sessions over three months, either individually or in groups.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged exposure is a specific type of CBT that teaches individuals to gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings and situations. By facing what has been avoided, a person can learn that trauma-related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided. This therapy is typically provided over a period of about three months with weekly individual sessions.

Medication

Medications can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy to help manage PTSD symptoms such as sadness, worry, anger, and feeling emotionally numb. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant medication, for the treatment of PTSD: sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil).

Emotional PTSD coping mechanisms

Emotional PTSD, or complex PTSD (c-PTSD or CPTSD), is indeed a recognised condition. It is characterised by symptoms of PTSD alongside additional symptoms such as difficulty controlling emotions, feelings of anger or distrust towards the world, and constant feelings of emptiness or hopelessness. Those with emotional PTSD may also experience emotional flashbacks, in which they relive the intense feelings they originally felt during the trauma.

• Accept the impact of trauma: Recognise and accept the impact that trauma has had on your life. This is a form of "active coping", which can empower you and help you take direct action to improve your situation.
• Understand that recovery is a process: Recovery from trauma is an ongoing, daily process that takes time. It is normal to continue having responses to the trauma, and healing does not mean forgetting traumatic events. Instead, healing means gaining more confidence in your ability to cope with your memories and symptoms, and manage your feelings.
• Learn about trauma and PTSD: Educate yourself about common reactions to trauma and PTSD. This can help you recognise that your problems are shared by many others, making you feel less alone, weak, or crazy.
• Seek support from others: Avoid isolating yourself. Instead, make an effort to connect with others and ask for the support you need. This can help you feel less alone and more understood.
• Practice relaxation methods: Try different ways to relax, such as muscle relaxation exercises, swimming, stretching, yoga, listening to quiet music, or spending time in nature. However, be aware that relaxation techniques can sometimes increase distress, especially if you focus too much on disturbing physical sensations.
• Engage in positive activities: Participate in pleasant recreational or work activities to distract yourself from your memories and reactions. For example, art can be a positive, creative way to express your feelings.
• Talk to your doctor or a counsellor: Utilise the helping resources around you. If coping strategies are not working, reach out to a counsellor or your family doctor, who can refer you to a specialist.
• Consider medication: Many people with PTSD have found treatment with medication to be helpful for improving sleep, reducing anxiety, irritability, and anger, and decreasing urges to drink or use drugs.

Frequently asked questions