Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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What events can trigger it?
- Road or workplace accident
- Physical or sexual assault
- Domestic Violence or violence experienced during childhood
- Violent or sudden death of a loved one
- Disaster, fire, war or forced migration
- Repeated exposure to difficult scenes at work, for example among first responders and health care staff
What are the symptoms?
| Type | Frequent manifestations |
|---|---|
| Reliving the event | Intrusive memories, nightmares, feeling of reliving the event, strong reaction to reminders |
| Avoidance | Avoiding places, people, conversations or thoughts linked to the event |
| Thoughts and mood | Guilt, shame, mistrust, loss of interest, detachment from others, memory gaps about the event |
| Hypervigilance | Startling easily, irritability, trouble concentrating, disturbed sleep, feeling always on guard |
How does it differ from a normal reaction?
In the days and weeks after a serious event, these reactions are common and often ease on their own. PTSD is more likely when they last more than a month, cause significant distress or interfere with work, school or relationships. Symptoms can also appear several months after the event.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is based on a clinical interview. The professional explores the event without making you tell everything, assesses your symptoms and looks for what may come with them, such as: depression, anxiety, insomnia or increased alcohol use. A validated questionnaire can help measure how severe the symptoms are.
What are the treatment options?
Care is adapted to each person and may combine several approaches:
- Psychotherapy focused on trauma, including certain forms of cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR
- Medication, when the doctor considers it appropriate given your symptoms and health
- Work on sleep, stress management and gradually returning to avoided activities
- Support from those around you and, if needed, adjustments at work
When to consult?
It is advisable to consult if symptoms persist, worsen or prevent you from functioning. It is never too late to do so, even if the event happened years ago.
Consult at Clinique Omicron
The professionals at Clinique Omicron, at its service points in Quebec and by teleconsultation, can assess your symptoms, propose a care plan and refer you to suitable psychological follow-up.
The content of this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Consult a physician for any symptoms, questions or decisions you may have regarding your health.
Omicron Clinic
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