You have probably heard of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and even more likely,
know someone who has been diagnosed or perhaps have experienced it yourself. But how
much do you really know about it? Let’s dive in!
What is PTSD?
In 2013, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) added PTSD to a
new category, Trauma- and Stress-Related Disorders. According to the DSM-5, eight
diagnostic criteria with at least one subcriteria for each must be met for someone to be
formally diagnosed with PTSD. These criteria include: 1) Exposure to actual or threatened
death, serious injury, or sexual violence; 2) Re-experiencing the trauma persistently; 3)
Avoidance of trauma stimuli post-trauma; 4) Negative feelings that started or have continued
after the traumatic event occurred; 5) Trauma-related reactivity and/or arousal that started
or have continued since the traumatic event occurred, 6) Symptoms lasting for more than
one month, 7) Symptoms causing functional distress or impairment, and 8) Symptoms
unrelated to medication, substance use, or an illness.1 Symptoms may include nightmares,
flashbacks, emotional distress, trauma-related thoughts, feelings, or reminders, inability to
remember key events (of the trauma), hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating and/or
sleeping, engaging in risky behaviors, andmore.1
Then there isComplex PTSD (C-PTSD), defined by the International Clarification of Diseases,
11th Revision (ICD-11) as someone who meets the criteria for PTSD but also presents with
disturbances in self-organization (DSO), which include difficulties in affect regulation,
relationships, and self-concept.2 Inmost cases, C-PTSD stems fromprolonged trauma over
months or years, rather than a singular incident.
Treating PTSD
While PTSD symptoms may seem that they will last forever, there are several proven
therapeutic methods that are effective in treating this condition. Evidence-based therapies
such as cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive reprocessing therapy, prolonged exposure
therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy tend to be the most
effective methods in treating PTSD. However, other approaches such as art or nature therapy
or a combination of modalities may also be beneficial and can be discussed with a mental
health provider.
Is it curable?
That’s an excellent question! PTSD is not curable in the way that an infection can be cured.
However, remission is possible with effective therapeutic intervention and, if needed,
medications. Most people achieve recovery, meaning they no longer meet the diagnostic
criteria of PTSD and can achieve a significant reduction in their symptoms to regain control
and functionality of their lives.3 Left untreated, some people can achieve remission within a
few months to a few years on their own. However, for many people therapeutic intervention
is necessary to avoid negative mental health outcomes, including those with co-existing
diagnoses such as substance use, anxiety, and depression.3
What are the next steps for treating PTSD?
PTSD or C-PTSD can be a serious, debilitating mental health condition. A proper evaluation
by one of our providers is a helpful first step in determining if a PTSD diagnosis is warranted
and next steps to aid in treatment. Therapy would be another great start in finding a path to
recovery or remission.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD or C-PTSD, it is important to
seek assistance from qualified professionals such as your doctor, a mental health provider,
and/or a therapist as quickly as possible. A personal support system is also beneficial,
whether that includes trusted friends and family, support groups, a religious community, etc.
LifeBack has a robust team of competent professionals who would be happy to work with
you or a loved one experiencing PTSD or other mental health challenges. Feel free to call or
email us to get started!
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of
mental disorders (5th ed, text rev.)
https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787 - World Health Organization. (2022). ICD-11: International classification of
diseases (11th revision). https://icd.who.int/ - ScienceInsights. (2026, March 6.) Is PTSD curable?What recovery can look like.
https://scienceinsights.org/is-ptsd-curable-what-recovery-can-look-like/
