If you’ve heard of post-traumatic stress disorder, you know it’s a serious condition affecting many people after experiencing traumatic situations. But did you know there are effective recovery strategies? The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) specializes in supporting and professionalizing health treatments that utilize clinical hypnosis, and in our journey, we have witnessed numerous successes in treating PTSD.
The traumatic experiences each person goes through can have different impacts, as well as their reactions and recovery. This is precisely why it is so important to deeply understand the symptoms, implications, and recovery strategies aimed at this disorder.
We are here to help you unravel these mysteries. In this article, we will explore everything from understanding PTSD, its causes, and triggering events, to symptoms, clinical evaluation, and diagnosis, and finally to conventional treatments. And, of course, we cannot leave out the role that clinical hypnosis can play in this context.
Throughout our journey, we have reinforced the belief that whatever stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help. Believe it, it may be the missing key for professionals who want to help people overcome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Shall we discover more?
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
When we talk about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we are referring to a severe type of anxiety triggered by extremely worrying, terrifying, or painful events. These events can be experienced directly by someone, or it may be a case of a person witnessing something traumatic that happened to someone else.
It is important to emphasize that PTSD does not occur in everyone who experiences a traumatic situation. Not everyone who suffers trauma will develop post-traumatic stress disorder. But for those who do, it can be a very distressing and disturbing experience.
The trauma intensely affects the person’s mind, generating persistent and vivid memories of the traumatic situation. These memories can come in the form of flashbacks or nightmares, causing considerable emotional discomfort.
PTSD has a profound impact on the quality of life of the affected person, potentially interfering with their daily life, work, relationships, and physical and mental health. To effectively help these individuals, it is essential that we, as health professionals, fully understand what post-traumatic stress disorder is and how it manifests.
The sooner the identification of symptoms and the diagnosis of PTSD is made, the sooner appropriate treatment can be initiated — and this makes a huge difference in the person’s recovery.
Causes and Triggering Events of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The causes of post-traumatic stress disorder are varied and may be related to different traumatic events. A traumatic event is characterized by extreme situations capable of generating feelings of fear, despair, or horror. Someone who has faced a serious accident, been a victim of physical or sexual violence, gone through war situations, or experienced natural disasters, for example, is potentially susceptible to developing PTSD.
It is crucial to understand that not everyone who goes through traumatic events develops the disorder. Individual factors, such as how a person handles adverse situations, can influence its appearance. In certain cases, PTSD can develop after repeated exposure to minor traumas, such as bullying or verbal harassment.
PTSD can also develop even in situations where the person did not directly experience the traumatic event but was indirectly affected. For example, a healthcare professional dealing with victims of severe trauma or family members of people who have gone through traumatic experiences.
However, it is important to stress that the presence of PTSD does not indicate weakness or a character flaw. It is a natural and human reaction to extreme traumatic events that can affect anyone, regardless of their personality or mental strength.
Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: What Science Points Out
Identifying the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a challenging process. However, it is essential to provide appropriate treatment and, consequently, improve the patient’s quality of life.
A common symptom of PTSD is the reliving of the traumatic event. This can occur through nightmares, flashbacks, or intense and disturbing thoughts about the trauma. Such experiences can trigger physical reactions like excessive sweating or palpitations.
Another indicator of PTSD is avoidance. People with this condition often avoid people, places, or activities that remind them of the traumatic situation in an attempt to reduce distress.
Patients with PTSD also tend to exhibit cognitive and mood alterations. This can manifest as persistent negative thoughts, feelings of guilt, or difficulties with concentration and memory.
Finally, many patients present hyperarousal symptoms, which include irritability, sleep problems, and an exaggerated response to situations that cause startle.
It is important to emphasize that all these symptoms must be persistent and cause significant impact on the person’s life to be considered signs of PTSD. Additionally, they should not be associated with a medical condition or substance use.
Always seek the opinion of a mental health professional if you believe you or someone close may be suffering from PTSD. Proper diagnosis and treatment are fundamental for recovery.
Diagnosis of PTSD: The Clinical Evaluation
For an accurate diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a detailed clinical evaluation is essential. This evaluation involves a series of questions aimed at understanding the trauma history, present symptoms, and the overall impact of these symptoms on the patient’s daily life.
It is important to emphasize that only qualified mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists, are authorized to make this diagnosis. The initial conversation with the patient should address questions such as: what traumatic events were experienced? How has the patient felt since the event? Are there symptoms of reliving the trauma, such as nightmares or flashbacks?
Furthermore, diagnostic criteria established by standardized medical manuals, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), should be considered. In the context of PTSD, for example, the DSM-5 requires the patient to experience a variety of symptoms from four categories: reliving the trauma, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative alterations in mood and cognition, and alterations in reactivity and arousal.
The interview may include the use of specific questionnaires or scales to assess symptoms, such as the PTSD Severity Scale (PSS).
A thorough clinical evaluation is fundamental for the accurate identification of PTSD and for the development of an effective treatment strategy.
PTSD in Brazil: Prevalence and Impacts
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a concerning reality in Brazil. Although we lack updated concrete data on the prevalence of this disease in our country, it is estimated that the numbers are high due to the incidence of stressful events, such as urban violence, abuse, natural disasters, and calamity situations, which can trigger the problem.
Unfortunately, the impact of this on Brazilian society is very significant. PTSD deeply affects individuals’ quality of life, harming their psychological, physical, and social health, generating absenteeism at work and school, relationship difficulties, associated health problems, among other implications.
Moreover, many victims of the disorder do not seek help, either due to lack of information, fear of the stigma related to mental illnesses, or difficulty accessing psychological and psychiatric assistance. This further highlights the importance of us, health professionals and hypnologists, understanding PTSD deeply, its causes, symptoms, and treatment possibilities, to contribute to the recovery and rehabilitation of our patients.
As challenging as the scenario may seem, it is crucial to remember that there is hope and many effective treatment possibilities for PTSD, including psychotherapy and, in indicated cases, the conscious and ethical use of clinical hypnosis. As hypnosis professionals, we have the great responsibility and privilege of helping people overcome their traumas and live a fuller and healthier life.
Conventional Treatments for PTSD: Psychotherapy and Pharmacotherapy
Considering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is widely accepted that psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and pharmacotherapy, are the treatments of choice.
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that aims to change negative thought or behavior patterns, helping the individual develop coping skills. This may involve techniques such as gradual exposure to traumatic triggers and relaxation skills training.
Additionally, pharmacotherapy, the use of medications such as antidepressants and anxiolytics, may be applied. Paroxetine and Sertraline, for example, have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of PTSD and are proven effective in alleviating symptoms.
It is important to note, however, that treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder can vary widely from person to person. While some find significant relief through psychotherapy, others may require a combined treatment of therapy and medication. Others still may find benefits in alternative treatments, such as clinical hypnosis, a topic we will explore in the next subtitle.
The Contribution of Clinical Hypnosis in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a complex condition, often requiring a multimodal treatment approach. In addition to conventional therapies, clinical hypnosis has proven to be an excellent ally in this process. How does this happen?
Clinical hypnosis offers a powerful tool to access the mind of the traumatized person. It helps calm the nervous system, allowing the individual to revisit the traumatic event without the emotional intensity usually associated with it. This process facilitates the reframing of the experience, nurturing resilience and recovery.
Studies indicate that hypnosis significantly reduces PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intense nervousness. It also helps control associated physical symptoms like insomnia and chronic pain.
In summary, clinical hypnosis provides the mental health professional with the opportunity to help their patients more effectively, creating space for emotional healing processes to unfold.
It is important to emphasize that, as with any other treatment, each person is unique. What works for one individual may not work for another. Therefore, clinical hypnosis should be seen as part of a larger treatment plan, always conducted by a qualified mental health professional.
Are you ready to start making a difference in the lives of people with PTSD with the help of clinical hypnosis?
Conclusion: Clinical Hypnosis as a Tool for Health Professionals in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Throughout this article, we explored every aspect of PTSD, from understanding to clinical evaluation, as well as the important role that clinical hypnosis can play in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
It is essential to reinforce the power of clinical hypnosis. This practice results in patients with PTSD experiencing significant symptom relief, promoting a profound improvement in the quality of life and emotional and physical health of these individuals. As we always emphasize, believing is power: whatever stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help.
Whether you are an already active professional in the mental health field or just starting your journey, clinical hypnosis can equip you to help even more people. Becoming a certified professional in clinical hypnosis means having the opportunity to directly contribute to the well-being and recovery of individuals affected by PTSD.
We hope this exploration of the disorder has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the topic and, above all, sparked interest in the professional learning of clinical hypnosis.
Are you ready to embark on the incredible journey of becoming a health professional trained in scientific hypnosis? Do you want to enhance your results in your current profession or even professionalize in a new area? Discover the evidence-based training and postgraduate courses offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis. Access here to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hypnosis effective in treating all cases of post-traumatic stress disorder?
No, each person is unique, and what works for one individual may not work for another. Therefore, clinical hypnosis should be seen as part of a larger treatment plan, always conducted by a qualified mental health professional.
Who can be trained to use clinical hypnosis in the treatment of PTSD?
Mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, can be trained. Additionally, professionals who wish to specialize in clinical hypnosis as a new area of practice can also benefit from the training.
How long does it take to see results from clinical hypnosis treatment for PTSD?
The duration varies depending on the individual and the severity of symptoms. Some may experience significant relief after a few sessions, while others may require more prolonged treatment.
Is clinical hypnosis safe? Are there risks or side effects?
Yes, clinical hypnosis is safe when conducted by trained and qualified professionals. Occasionally, some people may experience headaches, dizziness, or temporary anxiety after a session, but these are generally mild and quickly disappear.
Is it possible for a person to “get stuck” in a state of hypnosis?
No, this is a common misconception. A person under hypnosis remains in control of the situation and can exit this state at any time.
