Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: What Causes PTSD? Signs of PTSD, & Options for PTSD Treatment

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a life-threatening or traumatic event. The impact of PTSD can be long-lasting, causing intense emotions, flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbing. These symptoms can affect daily life, making it difficult to feel safe or connected to others.

Common Causes of PTSD

  • Military Combat: Many veterans experience PTSD due to the horrors and traumas of war.

  • Sexual Assault: Survivors of sexual violence often struggle with the lasting emotional and psychological effects.

  • Accidents or Natural Disasters: Experiences like car crashes, fires, or earthquakes can trigger PTSD.

  • Childhood Abuse: Prolonged exposure to abuse or neglect in childhood can lead to PTSD later in life.

  • Loss of a Loved One: The sudden, violent loss of someone close can lead to profound trauma.

The road to healing from PTSD can be challenging, but recovery is possible. Therapy, particularly trauma-focused therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), can help individuals process traumatic memories and reclaim their sense of safety and well-being.

Ongoing trauma can often lead to another form of PTSD, called Complex PTSD. C-PTSD is a form of PTSD that may require different types of treatment.

If you are struggling with PTSD or another mental health symptom, book a free discovery call with Dr. Doi today.

Providing Mental Health Services in Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, and New York