Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a disturbing mental condition that can affect almost anyone who experiences serious trauma. Events that may cause PTSD include unexpected deaths, physical assault, violence, natural disasters, abuse, suffering and wars. It impacts all genders and ages. Signs of PTSD include an inability to process traumatic memories, forgetfulness, severe anxiety and depression. Sometimes sufferers turn to substance abuse to try to cope with their condition. However, the good news is that this condition can be successfully treated through the therapy and care offered through PTSD treatment centers.

What Is PTSD?

When people are subjected to traumatic events, they may struggle to process these events in their minds. The trauma they experience is debilitating and uncontrollable. They often experience flashbacks that disturb them and nightmares related to what happened. They may become anxious and easily frightened by loud noises and unexpected events.

These symptoms may develop at any time after the event and can persist for years. PTSD is closely related to anxiety disorders, and people with PTSD may find it difficult to function in society or hold down a job.

PTSD Statistics

PTSD affects a sizable portion of the population, and there are signs this percentage is increasing. According to the Perelman School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, the current estimate is that 8% of the population has symptoms of PTSD. Research published in 2024 by Statista shows that:

  • Rape. Almost half of rape victims develop PTSD.
  • Assault. Around 32% of assault victims may develop PTSD.
  • Sudden death. Approximately 14% of people who experience the unexpected death of someone close develop PTSD symptoms.
  • Veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans, 14% of male and 24% of female veterans serving in 2024 have been diagnosed with PTSD.
  • Wounded veterans. According to Statista, 82.8% of wounded veterans who are members of the Wounded Warrior Project have PTSD symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

If you have directly or indirectly experienced a traumatic event that involved the risk of death, significant injury or sexual violence and are experiencing some or all the following symptoms, you may have PTSD.

Intrusive Memories of the Event

You experience intrusive memories, including:

  • Flashbacks. You constantly relive the experience.
  • Distressing memories. You have unwanted memories of what happened.
  • Nightmares. You experience unpleasant dreams related to the event.

Avoidance Behavior

You show avoidance behavior, including:

  • Avoiding thoughts. You avoid thinking or talking about the event.
  • Changed routines. You change your routine, such as refusing to drive or take part in similar activities to the trauma.
  • Staying away. You refuse to visit places and events related to the incident.

Negative Cognition and Mood Changes

Your thoughts, memories and emotions are affected, including:

  • Memory. You have difficulty remembering key aspects of what happened.
  • Negative emotions. You feel guilty and to blame.
  • Detachment. You feel detached from people who were once close.
  • Emotionally numb. You lose interest and don’t have positive thoughts.

Extreme Emotional and Physical Behaviors

Your emotional and physical behavior changes, which could include being:

  • On guard. You can’t relax but are always on edge.
  • Easily startled. You’re startled and frightened by sudden and unexpected movement or noises.
  • Angry. You are irritable, are easily aroused and may become aggressive.

What Causes PTSD?

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, although, as shown in the statistics above, the risk of PTSD is much higher among certain groups, including wounded veterans and victims of sexual assault.

There are no clear answers as to why some people develop PTSD. It seems that exposure to trauma and abuse as a child and having limited social support may be factors that contribute. Feelings of horror, fear and revulsion are also considered to be causative factors. Personal resilience and having a support system after the event may help prevent PTSD.

Treatment Options at PTSD Treatment Centers

Treatment for PTSD shows a reasonable success rate. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 70% of patients entering a PTSD treatment program will fully recover or have minor and manageable symptoms. Treatment combines several types of talk therapy supported by medications to manage symptoms. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE) are remarkably successful. Other therapies used include eye movement desensitization and processing (EMDR) therapy.

Inpatient PTSD Treatment

Most PTSD treatment centers recommend inpatient treatment, at least initially, for PTSD sufferers who have difficulty managing their lives and following protocols. This also applies to those with a concurrent substance use disorder. The primary benefit of inpatient treatment is that it’s more intensive and manageable, with 24-hour nursing care and individual and group therapy.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Not everyone can afford to take time off for inpatient treatment. Intensive outpatient treatment is effective for those who have responsibilities they can’t neglect and who can adhere to the treatment plan. Intensive outpatient treatment may involve attending therapy sessions two or three times a week. Family therapy is often included as part of an outpatient treatment program.

Medication to Help PTSD

The supervising doctor may prescribe antidepressants and antianxiety medications to help reduce PTSD symptoms. These medications help lift depression and reduce anxiety. They also help with sleeping problems and may reduce nightmares. The drugs most commonly recommended include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI).

Practical Tips for Coping With PTSD

It’s important to keep your mind focused during PTSD treatment. Here are some practical tips to help during and after your treatment:

  • Be active. Stay active by taking part in individual and group activities. These can be outdoor pursuits like taking the dog for a walk, hobbies and attending support groups.
  • Create routines. Set and adhere to regular routines, such as when you eat, sleep and exercise.
  • Exercise patience. It takes time to recover from PTSD, so be realistic about your progress and focus on what’s manageable for you.
  • Care for yourself. Look after your personal hygiene and engage in pastimes you enjoy, such as music, nature and reading. Exercise to keep fit.
  • Remain connected. Spend time with friends and family you trust who understand what you’re going through.

Sunlight Recovery Can Help

Are you struggling with PTSD and don’t know what to do? Contact us at Sunlight Recovery today to learn more about our PTSD rehab center. We offer a selection of residential and outpatient treatment options for PTSD with confidential insurance verification. Immediate admission is available if needed.