Most people usually confuse post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI). However, PTSD is a mental health condition caused by experiencing a traumatic situation, while PTSI is an injury that results from experiencing traumatic events. These two may present similar symptoms and be treated using the same method, but they have different aspects you should know about.
Continue reading to learn more about PTSD vs. PTSI, including their similarities, differences, treatment, and more.
The American Psychological Association (APA) describes trauma as an emotional response to a traumatic event or experience. People who go through these events experience shock and denial immediately and end up with unpredictable flashbacks, emotions, strained relationships, and several physical symptoms such as nausea and headaches.
The long-term effects of trauma may affect a person’s well-being and develop into post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).
PTSI refers to biological injury presenting similar symptoms as PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the difference between these two is the cause of these symptoms. PTSI comes from damage to a part of the nervous system, which plays a significant role in developing and maintaining PTSI.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that develops from experiencing a terrifying event. Some of the terrifying events that may cause PTSD are as follows:
Please note that PTSD is not limited to people who experience these events first-hand. They may also affect people close to those affected by these events, such as family members and close friends.
Essentially, PTSI and PTSD refer to conditions with the same symptoms. Therefore, you will expect people suffering from these conditions to showcase the following range of psychological symptoms:
A person suffering from PTSI and PTSD will portray the following avoidance behaviors:
People with PTSI or PTSD will portray the following symptoms of intrusive memories:
You may experience the following negative changes in mood and thinking if you’re suffering from PTSI or PTSD:
Some of the symptoms that indicate a change in reaction to physical and emotional situations for a person with PTSI or PTSD are as follows:
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder, while PTSI is a physical injury, according to the Global PTSI Foundation. This bodily injury results from witnessing or experiencing terrifying events that affect part of the nervous system.
PTSI usually causes overstimulation, promoting anxiety, inability to self-calm, restlessness, and hyperactivity. These symptoms may appear similar to PTSD but are not considered diagnosable disorders.
There are several treatment options for PTSI and PTSD available. These treatment options are as follows:
Therapy is the most common treatment method for PTSI and PTSD. It may take different forms, including:
This treatment focuses on helping individuals understand and process their thoughts and emotions that result from the trauma. It aims at helping the individual learn new ways to think about their traumatic event. This will eventually help the individual reduce their emotional reactions.
This therapeutic approach involves gradual exposure of an individual suffering from PTSD or PTSI to memories or situations related to their trauma. It helps them process these memories more adaptively and cope with situations that remind them of the traumatic event that they went through.
This treatment method focuses on developing coping skills for situations that trigger memories of traumatic events. It may involve learning relaxation techniques, including reframing negative thoughts and managing their triggers.
This is a PTSI or PTSD treatment method that focuses on the trauma’s impact on a person and provides a supportive environment to help the affected person heal. It focuses on the individual’s experiences and needs and seeks to empower them through recovery.
This approach may incorporate treatments like medication, community support, and talk therapy.
Doctors may prescribe antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications, or antidepressants to treat PTSI or PTSD based on symptoms portrayed by an individual. Antidepressants are used to improve sleep and mood, while anti-anxiety medications are prescribed to reduce symptoms of agitation and anxiety. Antipsychotics treat more severe cases of PTSI or PTSD where the affected individual is at risk of developing psychotic symptoms.
There are three phases in PTSI and PTSD treatment; stabilization, trauma work, and integration.
In the first phase, a doctor should consider the following factors:
Immediate treatment is crucial for individuals suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These conditions require specialized care to effectively manage and treat their symptoms. Our directory lists certified mental health facilities across Southern California, including options for those needing crisis stabilization for mental health disorders.
The facilities featured in our directory offer compassionate care, upholding core values of dignity, integrity, acceptance, patience, and respect. These centers are staffed with professionals ready to support clients through various stages of treatment, from inpatient care to a smooth transition into outpatient programs.
Specializing in a range of mental and behavioral health disorders, the treatment centers we list provide comprehensive care for PTSI and PTSD. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for these conditions, our directory can guide you to the right resources in Southern California. Explore our listings to find a facility that aligns with your needs and begin the journey towards healing and recovery.
