Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Modern psychosomatic medicine is fundamentally based on the view that symptoms are forms of communication. As such, symptoms are often important signs or indications of developmental problems that are in the process of coming to the surface.
Milton H. Erickson and Ernest L. Rossi
Contents
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that arises as a result of one or more unresolved traumatic events.
According to a 2016 report by the German Bundestag, between 1.5 per cent and 2.3 per cent of people suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are at a higher risk of developing PTSD than men (women: 10–12 per cent; men: 5–6 per cent).
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
In particularly severe cases, the condition is referred to as complex post-traumatic stress disorder. This is often caused by psychological, physical or sexual trauma lasting for years, or by prolonged traumatic experiences such as being taken hostage, torture or wartime experiences.
Both forms of PTSD are characterised by the over-activation of memories of traumatic experiences, which manifest as images, smells and sounds. In complex PTSD, there are also changes in personality and interpersonal relationships, such as deep mistrust, an inability to form intimate relationships and severely diminished self-esteem.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
What Are the Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
When traumatic events have not been processed, this processing usually takes place in dreams. This can lead to nightmares and sleep disturbances, which are accompanied by intense emotions such as a racing heart, sweating or similar symptoms. In the case of unprocessed trauma, the brain is unable to separate emotions from memories, meaning that certain triggers can cause the memory of the trauma to be relived, along with the intense emotions and physical reactions associated with it.
PTSD can develop shortly after the traumatic event or at a later stage – in some cases, symptoms may even appear decades after the event (late-onset PTSD).
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Typical Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Include
- Re-experiencing: The symptoms of re-experiencing include distressing memories of the traumatic event, which can intrude and interfere with daily life. Those affected may also suffer from flashbacks, during which they feel as though they are reliving the traumatic event. Nightmares are also a common symptom and can make those affected afraid to fall asleep. In some cases, these symptoms can be so intense that those affected find it difficult to control their thoughts and emotions.
- Avoidance symptoms: These include emotional numbness, indifference and apathy towards other people and one’s surroundings, as well as actively avoiding activities and situations that might trigger memories of the trauma. Sometimes, important aspects of the traumatic experience can no longer be (fully) recalled.
- Autonomic hyperarousal: Autonomic hyperarousal manifests itself as sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating, heightened alertness and excessive startle responses.
- Symptoms of hyperarousal: Those affected may suffer from sleep disturbances and may react with excessive startle responses to noises and movements in their surroundings. In addition, increased irritability and emotional intolerance can lead to conflicts with other people. Difficulties concentrating may also occur, which can have a negative impact on work performance and everyday life.
- Emotional numbness: Emotional numbness manifests itself in a general withdrawal from social interactions and a loss of interest in activities that previously brought pleasure. Those affected may feel emotionally detached and find it difficult to experience positive emotions. This can affect their interpersonal relationships and lead to them feeling isolated.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Symptoms of Complex PTSD
- Changes in interpersonal relationships: mistrust of others; a tendency to repeatedly cast oneself in the role of victim or to make others into victims
- Somatisation disorders (= physical symptoms with psychological causes): chronic pain, stomach or heart problems, or sexual dysfunction
- Negative feelings: a sense of meaninglessness, despair, hopelessness and a generally negative view of the world
- Inability to regulate or control emotions and a tendency towards self-destructive behaviour
- Changes in consciousness: ranging from memory loss to dissociative states
- Changes in self-perception: low self-esteem, isolation, distorted self-image
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
PTSD & Burnout
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PTSD can often lead to burnout, as the body’s altered stress regulation can result in a consistently higher level of stress, which may cause burnout or accelerate its onset. Furthermore, the constant re-experiencing of traumatic events through flashbacks and the associated emotional imbalance can also lead to higher stress levels.
Although PTSD and burnout are different conditions, they can occur together. It is therefore important to view the individual as a whole in order to develop a personalised treatment plan designed to improve their quality of life in the long term.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Diagnosis of PTSD
Depending on the symptoms, aetiology and course of the condition, diagnoses are categorised using classification systems such as the ICD-10 and DSM-5.
In order to diagnose PTSD, various levels of data, data sources, constructs and methods are drawn upon to provide a comprehensive and nuanced assessment of patients’ psychological and physical problems. This approach takes into account not only self-reports and third-party assessments, but also biological, social and other factors.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
When Is Inpatient Treatment Advisable?
It is best to discuss with your doctor whether inpatient treatment is appropriate. However, there are a few signs that can help you determine whether inpatient treatment is appropriate for your PTSD:
- If your ability to cope with everyday life is limited
- If the outpatient psychotherapy received so far has not been sufficient
- If your unresolved trauma has led to depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, somatisation disorders or addictive behaviour
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The Verus Clinic has specialised in the treatment of PTSD for many years. Depending on the patient and their history, symptoms and needs, we treat PTSD using a combination of EMDR, psychotherapy, trauma therapy, body-oriented therapy, art therapy and movement therapy. In some cases, accompanying pharmacological treatment may also be appropriate.
At the Verus Clinic, you will learn to cope better with the effects of trauma in order to improve your quality of life once again. In a safe environment in the heart of the Black Forest.
The duration of inpatient treatment at the Verus Clinic is usually 6 to 8 weeks. For patients with comorbid conditions or complex PTSD, treatment may take longer and/or be continued during a second inpatient stay.
This enables cognitive, emotional and behavioural processing to take place.
As with many mental health conditions, the earlier PTSD is treated, the greater the chance of a successful outcome. Nevertheless, even traumatic events that occurred a long time ago can be treated effectively.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Treatment for PTSD
In the treatment of PTSD, stabilisation plays a key role in alleviating acute symptoms. Various therapeutic approaches are used for this purpose, such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation exercises and exercise therapy. To ensure long-term stabilisation, we provide you with strategies to strengthen your own resources and to cope with your symptoms and emotions. The focus is therefore on establishing your external and internal sense of security. We also ensure that you are able to manage emotions such as guilt and shame.
We also make targeted use of techniques such as the EMDR method (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, developed by Francine Shapiro), which help to process the trauma. Trauma therapy is usually only beneficial once sufficient stability has been achieved. Through controlled confrontations (in the imagination), we help your memory to regain control.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
EMDR for PTSD
In the treatment of PTSD, stabilisation plays a key role in alleviating acute symptoms. Various therapeutic approaches are used for this purpose, such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation exercises and exercise therapy. To ensure long-term stabilisation, we provide you with strategies to strengthen your own resources and to cope with your symptoms and emotions. The focus is therefore on establishing your external and internal sense of security. We also ensure that you are able to manage emotions such as guilt and shame.
We also make targeted use of techniques such as the EMDR method (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, developed by Francine Shapiro), which help to process the trauma. Trauma therapy is usually only beneficial once sufficient stability has been achieved. Through controlled confrontations (in the imagination), we help your memory to regain control.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Somatic Experiencing for PTSD
This therapy places particular emphasis on the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s physical response to trauma. Somatic Experiencing focuses on becoming attuned to one’s own bodily sensations and on consciously perceiving physical sensations. This can improve bodily awareness and facilitate the processing of the trauma.
We also help you to find a new sense of direction. This means we focus on issues such as grief and coming to terms with the consequences of trauma. We provide you with new prospects for the future, strategies for everyday life and conflict resolution techniques, so that you can live symptom-free at home and rediscover a positive outlook on life.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
What Can Family Members Do to Help With PTSD?
Family members, acquaintances and friends play an important role in helping those affected to cope with PTSD. It is important to show understanding and not to offer well-meaning advice
Family members, acquaintances and friends play an important role in helping those affected to cope with PTSD. It is important to show understanding and not to offer well-meaning advice
Our treatment methods
How We Can Treat You and Help You
Diagnostic procedures at the Verus Clinic therefore include a detailed initial medical history, selected psychological tests and the latest neuropsychological assessment methods.
Art Therapy
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Body-Oriented Psychotherapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Body-oriented psychotherapy can be understood as a form of psychotherapy that takes into account both the psychological and physical aspects
Complementary Therapies
Treatment methods Other Forms of Treatment Yoga: Greater flexibility for the whole body. Learning to be more aware of your body. Bringing the body, emotions
Group Psychotherapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Through dialogue with other group participants and by witnessing the inner psychological challenges each individual faces, you will realise that
Individual Psychotherapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment The aim of the one-to-one sessions is to bring about a change in these circumstances through helpful coping strategies, resource-building
Music Therapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Music therapy is an experience-centred psychotherapeutic approach in which music is used as a non-verbal medium of creative expression. The
Pain Management Supplemented by TCM
Treatment methods About the Treatment For a long time, pain management was not considered one of modern medicine’s success stories. It was only gradually that
Psychotherapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Psychotherapy literally means ‘treatment of the soul’. In psychotherapy, psychological methods are used to identify and treat ‘problems of the
Trauma Therapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Trauma arises when our physical and/or psychological integrity is violated and the person affected is left feeling helpless, at the
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