Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder develops after exposure to a deeply distressing or life-threatening event, such as war, assault, abuse, natural disasters, or severe accidents.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder develops after exposure to a deeply distressing or life-threatening event, such as war, assault, abuse, natural disasters, or severe accidents. PTSD is more than just a “bad memory.” It reshapes how the brain and body respond to danger, leaving individuals in a state of hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and constant re-experiencing of the trauma. People with PTSD may relive the event through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts, as if it is happening all over again. Ordinary triggers—such as a loud noise, a smell, or even a certain place—can provoke overwhelming fear. Over time, many withdraw from others, avoid reminders, or feel detached from life. In Saudi Arabia, PTSD is often seen in survivors of car accidents (a leading cause of trauma in the Kingdom), domestic abuse, and individuals exposed to conflict in nearby regions. Social stigma and limited awareness sometimes delay diagnosis, with symptoms mistaken for weakness or personality changes.
What constitutes PTSD?
Exposure to trauma (direct, witnessed, or repeated) followed by at least one month of symptoms in four categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in mood/cognition, and hyperarousal, causing significant impairment.
Symptoms and warning signs
- Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts about the trauma
- Avoidance of reminders (places, people, conversations)
- Emotional numbness, detachment, or guilt
- Irritability, anger, or reckless behavior
- Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response
- Sleep disturbances and concentration problems
Causes and risk factors
- Direct exposure to trauma (violence, abuse, accidents, war)
- Childhood trauma increases vulnerability
- Family history of mental illness
- Lack of social support after the trauma
- Repeated or prolonged trauma exposure
Treatment approaches
- Trauma-focused CBT: restructuring thoughts and reducing avoidance
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): evidence-based trauma therapy
- Medication: SSRIs/SNRIs are first-line; prazosin may help with nightmares
- Group and family therapy: building support and understanding
- Self-care: grounding, mindfulness, and gradual re-engagement in safe activities
Why Act Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia?
Our experienced trauma specialists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia provide trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and CBT to help patients process trauma and reclaim their lives.
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