Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): the consequences of a traumatic event

By Cristiano Antonino On May 18, 2023

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can occur as a consequence of exposure to a traumatic event

Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The term trauma is derived from the Greek word for ‘wound’ and is defined as an event that negatively impacts an individual, changing their habitual way of living and seeing the world.

Therefore, when speaking of trauma, we can refer to a single, unexpected event with a well-determined duration (e.g. traffic accidents, natural disasters or sexual violence), or to a repeated and prolonged event (e.g. repeated mistreatment, war).

The person may directly experience the traumatic event or witness it.

The responses of the person affected by the trauma may include:

Intense emotions of fear, anger and/or shame;

Feelings of helplessness or horror;
Feelings of guilt;
Avoidance of places or situations associated with the trauma;
Avoidance of thoughts related to the event;
Sadness;
Disorientation;
Flashbacks, night terrors and intrusive thoughts;
Hyperaousal state;
Difficulty concentrating.

Such reactions are physiological as a reaction to a stressful event.

To speak of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), symptoms must occur within 6 months of the traumatic event and persist for more than one month after exposure to the trauma

In children in particular, it is important to pay attention to changes in eating habits, sleep, sociability, emotional regulation (e.g. irritability) and school performance.

Research has shown that trauma produces neurobiological changes.

A real ‘recalibration’ of our brain’s warning system (limbic system and amygdala) takes place, signalling to the organism a perpetual ‘danger’ condition.

This dysfunctional condition simultaneously produces a hyperactivation of the defence systems, with ‘attack/escape’ responses, and a deactivation of other brain systems that deal with cognitive control, affecting the capacity for emotional regulation, self-awareness, empathy and being in tune with others.

Should a parent detect the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in their child, they should contact their family paediatrician or a specialised child neuropsychiatry centre directly.

The diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder is based on standardised diagnostic criteria and instruments.

The treatment plan for post-traumatic stress disorder should be established by a group of specialised professionals based on the child’s psychological profile and the family’s resources.

Some of the interventions indicated by the international guidelines are:

Psychotherapy interventions for the child (trauma-focused therapies and cognitive behavioural therapy). These therapies aim to increase the child’s ability to handle stress and suffering more effectively, without implementing the usual altered behaviours;
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). The technique consists of having the person focus on the traumatic memory and carry out eye, tactile and auditory stimulation at the same time. This method aims to naturally activate the cells and connections in the brain to recreate a normal reprocessing of the information related to the intense traumatic experience;
Mindfulness (literally: awareness), is a technique that aims to increase the level of awareness and concentration on the present, on what one is doing in each moment;
Use of medication when the professional detects a condition of intense personal suffering associated with post-traumatic symptomatology;
Family support interventions. These interventions aim to help parents recognise and manage their child’s dysfunctional psychophysical responses, re-establishing in the child a condition of security and trust.

What Is Meant By Psychosomatics (Or Psychosomatic Disorders)?