Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is brought on by memories of an extremely stressful event or series of events that cause intense fear, particularly if feelings of helplessness accompanied the fear. That event may be war, physical or sexual assault or abuse, an accident (such as an airplane crash or a serious motor vehicle accident), or a mass disaster. You can develop PTSD if the event happened to you or even if you witnessed it. It's normal to feel stress when you experience a traumatic event. PTSD persists long after the event and is characterized by the intensity of the feelings, how long they last, how you react to these feelings, and the presence of particular symptoms. More than 5 million adults in the United States are affected by PTSD each year.

Symptoms of PTSD may develop months or even years after the original traumatic event and may include the following:

• Intrusive thoughts recalling the traumatic event
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Efforts to avoid feelings and thoughts that either remind you of the traumatic event or that trigger similar feelings
• Feeling detached or unable to connect with loved ones
• Depression, hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt (from the false belief that you were responsible for the traumatic incident)
• Irritability
• Hypervigilance (Being overly aware of possible danger)
• Hypersensitivity, including at least two of the following reactions: trouble sleeping, being angry, having difficulty concentrating, startling easily, having a physical reaction (rapid heart rate or breathing, increase in blood pressure)

Experts aren't entirely sure what causes some people to develop PTSD, but many think it happens when you are confronted with a traumatic event and your mind isn't able to process all the thoughts and feelings as it usually does. Scientists studying the brain think there may be some differences in the brain structure or chemistry of those with PTSD. For example, certain areas of the brain involved with feeling fear may be hyperactive in people with PTSD. Other researchers have focused on the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and for how we deal with stress, and are investigating whether changes in that area also appear in people with PTSD.

How severe the traumatic event was and how long it lasted affect whether you are likely to develop PTSD. These factors also increase the risk:

• A history of sexual or physical abuse
• Working in a high-risk occupation, such as firefighting or law enforcement
• A history of depression or other psychological disorder
• Abusing drugs or alcohol
• Not having adequate social support
• Women are twice as likely as men to show signs of PTSD.

There are no laboratory tests to detect PTSD. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and ask you to describe the traumatic event. Your doctor will likely also use psychological assessment tools to confirm the diagnosis. You may be asked to see a specialist (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) for evaluation and treatment.

Prevention

Early intervention immediately after a traumatic event -- through support groups, psychotherapy, and certain medications -- may help prevent PTSD. Rituals such as prayer or healing ceremonies may be helpful in relieving stress and other effects of the trauma.

Treatment Plan

The treatment for PTSD includes:

• Cognitive-behavior therapy -- With the help of a psychotherapist, you learn techniques to manage your thoughts and feelings when you are in situations that remind you of the traumatic event. You may gradually expose yourself to situations and thoughts that cause anxiety, as you build up a tolerance for them and your fear is lessened. Ultimately, the goal of cognitive therapy is to allow you to control your fear and anxiety.
• Stress management therapy -- With a therapist, you work to learn relaxation techniques that help you overcome fear and anxiety, and to break the cycle of negative thoughts.
• Medication may be used as well.

Drug Therapies

• Antidepressants such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), or paroxetine (Paxil).
• Benzodiazepines, a group of medications sometimes used for anxiety, including lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax). These drugs have sedating properties and may cause drowsiness, constipation, or nausea. Do not take them if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a psychosis, or are pregnant. They also interact with other drugs, including some antidepressants (such as Luvox).

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Conventional psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, is the main treatment for PTSD. However, several mind-body techniques may be used as supportive treatments:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), in which you move your eyes rapidly from side to side while recalling the traumatic event, seems to help reduce distress for many with PTSD. Doctors aren't sure how it works, and whether it is any better than standard treatment. It's also not clear how long PTSD symptoms are reduced using EMDR.
• Biofeedback involves using a machine, at first, to see bodily functions that are normally unconscious and occur involuntarily (for example, heart rate and temperature). As you see how your body reacts to stress, you learn to control the reactions, and eventually you can perform the techniques to control the reactions without using a machine. Some studies suggest that biofeedback, among other forms of relaxation training, may be an effective treatment for some people with PTSD.
• Hypnosis has long been used to treat war-related post-traumatic conditions. More recently it has been used in cases of sexual assault (including rape), anesthesia failure, Holocaust survival, and car accidents. Hypnosis induces a deep state of relaxation, which may help people with PTSD feel more safe and less anxious, decrease intrusive thoughts, and become involved in daily activities again. Hypnosis is usually used in conjunction with psychotherapy and requires a trained, licensed hypnotherapist.

Nutrition and Supplements

Although no studies have examined how nutrition can be used to treat PTSD, these general nutritional guidelines may be helpful:

• Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Maintain balanced blood sugar to help stabilize mood. For example, eat small, frequent meals that include a small amount of protein. Avoid processed and refined foods.
• Eat whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein from plants (legumes and nuts, for example) and fish to nourish the nervous system.
• Inositol (18 g per day), a B vitamin that is found in citrus fruits, vegetables, cereal grains and meats, helps the nervous system function properly and may play a role in reducing depression and anxiety associated with PTSD.

Herbs

Herbs are a generally safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, it is important to work with your doctor to get a clear diagnosis before you start any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerin extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). People with a history of alcoholism should not take tinctures. Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures singly or in combination as noted.

Although studies using herbs specifically to treat PTSD are lacking, some herbs have been studied for symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

• Kava kava (Piper methysticum, 100 - 200 mg two to four times per day) may help reduce mild to moderate anxiety, although it has not been studied specifically for PTSD. The FDA has issued a warning concerning kava kava's effect on the liver. In rare cases, severe liver damage has been reported. If you take kava, do not use it for more than a few days, and tell your doctor before taking it.
• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, 150 mg two to three times per day), sometimes combined with lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), has also proven effective for mild to moderate anxiety, although it has not been studied for PTSD either. Valerian may interact with other drugs that have a sedative effect, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, narcotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Do not take valerian if you are pregnant or nursing. Valerian also can affect the liver, so do not take it if you have liver problems.
• St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum, 300 mg three times per day) has been sued to treat mild to moderate depression and may help symptoms of PTSD, though studies are lacking. St. John's wort interacts with numerous other drugs and herbs, and should be avoided when pregnant or nursing. Speak to your doctor before using St. John's wort with any other medications.

The following herbs may help relieve restlessness, nervousness, and anxiety that can be associated with PTSD:

• Passionflower herb (Passiflora incarnata)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)
• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
• Catnip ( Nepeta cataria)
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Homeopathy

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for PTSD based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. When being treated with homeopathic remedies, it is possible to experience a brief intensification of symptoms before your condition improves. In the case of PTSD, it is important to have a qualified support team in place to help you handle any worsening of symptoms. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.

• Aconitum -- for recurring panic following a traumatic experience. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who have heart palpitations and shortness of breath which produce a tremendous fear of death. Aconitum is often the first remedy given for trauma, even if the trauma occurred years ago.
• Arnica -- for chronic conditions (such as depression) that occur after a traumatic experience. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who generally deny that anything is wrong.
• Staphysagria -- for individuals who feel fearful, powerless, or unable to speak up or defend themselves.
• Stramonium -- for anxiety disorders that occur after a shock or traumatic experience involving violence. The individual for whom this remedy is most appropriate tends to be generally fearful and have night terrors.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may help with symptoms of PTSD, including insomnia, anxiety, and depression. In one case involving a Vietnam War veteran, acupuncture and relaxation with guided imagery reportedly reduced insomnia, nightmares, and panic attacks over a treatment period of 12 weeks. One study for anxiety (not PTSD-related) found that benefits lasted as long as 1 year after treatment. Acupuncturists treat people based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians in the body.

If PTSD symptoms continue for longer than 3 months, the condition is considered to be chronic (ongoing). Chronic PTSD may become less severe even if it is not treated, or it may become severely disabling, interfering with many areas of life and causing physical complaints.

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