Outline

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that develops after experiencing
or witnessing a traumatic event. It is most commonly associated with war veterans but can affect
anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include ashbacks, nightmares,
anxiety, depression, and emotional numbing. The emergence of PTSD has been increasing steadily
in recent years due to the rise in the number of people experiencing trauma and an increased
understanding of PTSD as an illness. This has led to more research on the condition and how it can
be treated effectively. Additionally, initiatives such as better access to mental health services have
been implemented to help those struggling with PTSD receive the support they need. PTSD rst
emerged in the 1980s as a diagnosis for veterans returning from war. Since then, it has been
recognised as an issue affecting people from all walks of life who have experienced trauma. PTSD
symptoms, according to the diagnostic criteria, crystallise into the formal syndrome at some point
after the initial stress reaction. The DSM has typically classi ed PTSD as reexperiencing,
avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms, but DSM-5 introduced a fourth cluster of mood and
cognitive changes. 5 Whereas intrusions, avoidance, and hyperarousal are more related to fear
disorders, dysphoria symptoms (e.g., social withdrawal, emotional numbness, and disinterest in
activities) are more connected with depressive disorders (Bryant et al., 2017).

Aetiology
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that can occur after a person has
experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as military combat, natural disasters, and severe
physical or sexual assault. PTSD is characterised by four main clusters of symptoms: re-
experiencing the trauma, avoidance, numbing of responsiveness and negative changes in thought
processes and moods. The exact cause of PTSD is currently unknown; however, research suggests
that there are several risk factors associated with developing PTSD, including prior mental health
conditions, previous trauma exposure for both children and adults, increased exposure to traumatic
events in adulthood, genetic factors, intensive life stress other emotional responses at the time of the
traumatic event lack of social support. Treatment for PTSD generally includes cognitive behaviour
therapy and medication management. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects as many as 1 in
4 people who experience traumatic events and contributes to signi cant functional disability, health
impairment, and social dysfunction (Bryant et al., 2017). For a person to be diagnosed with PTSD,
however, symptoms must last more than a month and cause signi cant distress or problems in the
individual's daily functioning. Many individuals develop symptoms within three months of the
trauma, but symptoms may appear later and often persist for months and sometimes years. PTSD
often occurs with other related conditions, such as depression, substance use, memory problems and
other physical and mental health problems (Taylor-Desir, 2022).

Research evidence for treatment of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a disorder characterised by intrusive memories, avoidance of
stimuli related to the trauma, anger or irritability, hyperarousal or increased vigilance, is a severe
and debilitating condition. Research evidence suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
and medication management have been bene cial in treating this condition. CBT has proved
effective in helping individuals make sense of their traumatic experiences and developing coping
strategies to help them manage their feelings. Studies have also shown that medications such as
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help reduce symptoms associated with PTSD,
such as depression and anxiety. In conclusion, there is strong evidence to suggest that CBT and
medication management are effective treatments for PTSD when combined with other
psychological therapies. With appropriate treatment plans tailored speci cally for individual needs,
people living with the condition can hopefully lead a more ful lling life. Cognitive behavioural
therapy helps understand how trauma has impacted a person and helps change current behaviours
and reactions to traumatic events. At the same time, medication management includes the
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 prescription of anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medicines or antipsychotic medications, depending on
the severity of symptoms. In Psychological treatment for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder: A
systematic review and meta-analysis by Bisson et al. (2018) aimed to determine the ef cacy of
speci c psychological treatments for chronic PTSD. Systematic review and meta-analysis are
methods used to gain insight into how effective treatments are for CPTSD, looking at trials and
research studies to measure the effectiveness of particular treatments. This article will explore the
results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted on different psychological treatments to
determine their potential effectiveness in helping individuals suffering from CPTSD. Treatment for
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an essential and often complex issue, requiring a
multifaceted approach utilising both psychosocial and pharmacological interventions. In
Psychosocial treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: A critical review by Foa &
Meadows(1997) summarises current evidence on the ef cacy of psychosocial treatments for PTSD
and brings together studies examining the various techniques available. It highlights the importance
of considering factors such as trauma type, gender, age and severity of symptoms when accessing
suitable treatment approaches. Furthermore, the ndings emphasise how various forms of
psychotherapy could potentially effectively treat PTSD in more individualised ways.

Recommendation for treatment

It is critical to understand that not everyone who encounters trauma gets PTSD, and not everyone
who develops PTSD requires psychiatric therapy. Some people's PTSD symptoms fade or diminish
over time. Others improve with the assistance of their support system (family, friends or clergy).
Nonetheless, many people with PTSD require professional help to heal from the extreme and
persistent psychological discomfort. It is not the individual's fault that they are distressed, and
PTSD is curable. The sooner a person seeks therapy, the higher his or her chances of recovery
(Taylor-Desir, 2022). Treatments for PTSD involve psychological techniques, such as cognitive
behavioural therapy and medication management. Research evidence suggests that combining both
treatments is ideal for treating the condition. Given its magnitude and the potential for signi cant
aftereffects of PTSD, it is vital to understand the treatments and recommendations based on
guidelines from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE (2018) Guidelines
provide evidence-based quality standards of care for health professionals, researchers and
policymakers when treating PTSD.

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