There are numerous stigmas and misconceptions surrounding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This National PTSD Awareness Month, we want to dispel those myths by raising awareness about PTSD and encouraging those affected by trauma to get a PTSD screening.
What Is PTSD?
Trauma is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It could be due to a tragic car accident, news of a terrorist attack, or the loss of a loved one. While most people can cope with the sadness and anxiety associated with such events and move on, some individuals continue to feel traumatized long after the event has occurred.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by the inability to overcome a traumatic event even after a month has passed. People with PTSD often experience the fight, flight, or freeze response excessively, to the extent that it disrupts their daily lives.
It is an extremely challenging mental health condition that causes people to isolate, avoid situations that remind them of the event, and even develop depression unless treated.
The signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include:
- Anxiety and panic
- Irritability and mood swings
- Fear of specific places or items
- Feeling on edge or hyper-vigilant
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks to the traumatic event
The good news is that with the right type of support and PTSD treatment, individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder can recover.
How Is PTSD Screened?
It is important to remember that PTSD requires a proper diagnosis. However, before being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, individuals should undergo screening. Screening for PTSD can take various forms, such as interviews or questionnaires, and may be conducted online by a therapist or a licensed physician. Professionals often use screening tools like the PSS-1, the PTSD checklist for DSM-5, and the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5.
Common questions asked in a PTSD screening include:
- Were you exposed to or experienced a serious injury or physical violence?
- Have you been exposed to death or threatened death?
- Do you try hard not to think about a traumatic event?
- Have you gone out of your way to avoid details that remind you of it?
- Do you feel to blame for the traumatic event?
- Are you experiencing negative thoughts or intrusive thoughts about the event?
- Do you frequently think about the trauma?
- Have you tried to find ways to numb yourself from remembering the trauma?
- Are you troubled by negative thoughts, irritability, difficulty sleeping, angry outbursts, or difficulty concentrating?
- Do you feel on edge or get startled easily?
Answering yes to several of these questions may suggest PTSD. However, further testing is required to confirm a diagnosis.
If a general physician conducts this screening, they may also perform additional medical tests to eliminate any pre-existing health conditions that may resemble the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Why Is PTSD Screening Important?
The purpose of PTSD screening is to identify individuals who have or are at risk of developing PTSD. Early detection is the best way to prevent worsening PTSD symptoms and complications that often arise as a result of untreated trauma exposure.
Additional benefits of PTSD screening include:
- Reduction in hospital visits due to unexplained panic or anxiety attacks.
- Decreased risk of substance abuse.
- Discovery of other mental health conditions.
- Reduction of PTSD symptoms due to awareness of treatment options.
What Are the Steps to Take After Being Screened?
It’s important to note that a PTSD screening is not a means of diagnosis. Anyone with a positive PTSD screening should follow up with a mental health professional to receive a PTSD assessment.
In an assessment, the therapist will gather information about your life and experiences with trauma, as well as specific information surrounding these traumas. Depending on your response, you may receive a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or a similar mental health condition.
These conditions include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder
Resource Roundup: Where to Get Screened for PTSD
If you suspect that you may have post-traumatic stress disorder, contact your physician to receive a PTSD screening. Alternatively, you may contact a community clinic or licensed mental health professional.
If you’re unsure of where to get a screening in your area, try the following resources:
- National Center for PTSD
- American Psychological Association
- TalkSpace (online screening)
- BetterHelp
- Myhealth.va.gov
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- Health.mil
No matter where you choose to take your PTSD screening, be sure to follow up with someone if you receive a positive result. PTSD is a condition that requires treatment for healing. The sooner you receive treatment, the sooner you will feel better.
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