Types of PTSD: Exploring Similarities and Varying Differences

Understanding PTSD: A Breakdown of Its Many Faces

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing an extremely stressful event. In general, those with PTSD will experience symptoms including:

• Nightmares
• Avoiding places or people
• Flashbacks
• Heightened vigilance
• Insomnia
• Intrusive thoughts

Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD. During heightened stress, the body activates the fight-flight-freeze response. As the tension and danger subside, this response returns to a normal state, though lasting feelings of fear may still linger. When these feelings persist, it becomes more difficult to keep thoughts from coming back to the event. This is where PTSD can develop, and if left untreated, it will begin affecting every aspect of life.

Exploring the Differences: What Are the Types of PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD can range from mild to severe, depending on the person and the type of trauma they experienced. The amount of time the trauma was experienced is also a factor in the type of PTSD the person has. Let’s explore these different types and what each entails.

Acute Stress Disorder: The Shock That Comes First

Acute stress disorder (ASD) became a recognizable mental health condition in the early 90s. This was to help those seeking formal help for trauma, but who were uninsured and didn’t qualify for PTSD treatment. Symptoms of ASD align with PTSD, however, they begin occurring within 3 days of the event and no more than 4 weeks later.

The goal of receiving prompt treatment for ASD is to reduce the risk of later developing PTSD. Some are able to heal from their trauma and move forward in life with little to no symptoms. If symptoms persist for longer than 4 weeks, the diagnosis would be confirmed as PTSD.

Uncomplicated PTSD: Trauma Without the Layers

Though the symptoms of uncomplicated PTSD are similar to those of other types, the key difference is the trauma that was experienced. In most cases, uncomplicated PTSD is the result of a singular traumatic event, such as a car accident. The person still has flashbacks of the incident and avoidant behaviors, like not wanting to get into a car or refusing to let anyone else drive. Because the trauma is only related to a specific incident, it is typically simpler to address and treat.

In uncomplicated PTSD, mental health conditions also typically do not develop. Once the person has faced their trauma and moved on, depression and/or anxiety are unlikely to develop from the experience. However, this does not mean one of these conditions won’t appear later in life due to other circumstances and factors.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): When Trauma Runs Deep

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) derives from experiencing a singular or multiple traumas over months or years. Some examples of situations where CPTSD can occur include:

• Domestic violence
• Sexual, emotional, or physical abuse
• Human trafficking
• An unhealthy foster care or juvenile justice environment
• Living in a violent community

These traumas can be experienced or witnessed and can affect adults and children. Because these situations often last for years, treating CPTSD is much more complicated than uncomplicated PTSD.

Along with flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety, those with CPTSD often have difficulties finding their sense of self, developing relationships, and feeling like they belong. Emotional regulation is one of the most challenging skills to adapt, which is why treating CPTSD is a longer process than other types.

The Silent Divide: Living with Dissociative PTSD

Dissociative PTSD involves the above symptoms combined with depersonalization and/or derealization. Depersonalization is the recurrent feeling that the person is not in their own body – they feel they are observing themselves from the outside or that they are in a constant dream. Derealization is a persistent feeling that the world around the person is unreal, distorted, or dreamlike.

Those living with dissociative PTSD often try to avoid any memories of the traumatic event, as they can become negatively altered and further worsen the condition. Other common symptoms include:

• Detached feelings from others
• Thoughts of self-blame
• Difficulties feeling positive emotions
• Sleep disturbances
• Dissociative flashbacks

Comorbid PTSD: When Trauma Isn’t Alone

Having a mental health condition alongside PTSD is known as comorbid. The relationship between PTSD and other mental health conditions is not linear. Someone can experience a trauma, develop PTSD, and then go on to develop depression. However, someone with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition can experience trauma after already being diagnosed, then later develop PTSD.

Comorbid PTSD can also coincide with substance use disorders. There is extensive research showing that those diagnosed with PTSD are 2 to 4 times more likely to fit the diagnosis of a substance use disorder. This is often due to a lack of PTSD treatment resources, as well as self-medicating to relieve symptoms. Research also indicates that substance use and PTSD are highly prevalent among veterans, showing a need for treatment options that address both scenarios.

Not One-Size-Fits-All: Treating Different Types of PTSD

Though all forms of PTSD share similar symptoms, certain approaches need to be utilized to ensure all needs are met. General treatment modalities for PTSD include:

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A common talk therapy that works to change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
2. Prolonged exposure: In a safe setting, the person is gradually exposed to memories of the event to help with desensitization.
3. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A practice using bilateral eye movement during memory processing to reduce the fear associated with the trauma.

These methods can be adapted to fit specific types of PTSD. Dissociative PTSD will benefit from prolonged and gradual exposure techniques, as rapid recollection can further worsen dissociative thoughts and behaviors. Those with a substance use disorder as well as PTSD will require a return to use prevention plan alongside their therapies to provide an integrated treatment course. CPTSD will need a continuum of trauma-informed care, focusing on long-term healing and successful follow-ups.

In any form of PTSD, medications may be a part of the treatment process. Antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and sleep aid prescriptions can help relieve symptoms of PTSD, especially in those who have not had success with therapy alone. Each person is different, and no two treatment plans will be exactly the same.

Starting Treatment for PTSD in Hillsborough County, FL

Each type of PTSD is unique, and seeking help is nothing to be ashamed of. The complexities behind trauma are diverse, and each story is unique. PTSD treatment will give your loved one insight into how their past is affecting them and how they can move forward with their future. Through therapy, skill-building classes, and medications, they can learn their purpose again and strive toward their goals and aspirations.

If you or someone you love has been trying to manage PTSD and felt unsuccessful, help is available today. Clean Recovery Centers offers a full-spectrum mental health program here along the Suncoast. Our compassionate team practices patience as they work with you to discover the root of your trauma and begin the healing process. Each of our locations offers housing in a safe and supportive environment, so you will never feel alone. Call us today at (888) 330-2532 to learn more about our program offerings.

Get clean. Live clean. Stay clean.

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