Traumatic Events
The types of events that can be considered as traumatic are very broad overall.
General Overview
Common Causes of PTSD:
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Physical danger/ near-death experience
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Combat/ violence
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Sexual or physical assault
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Abuse
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Illness
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Natural disaster
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Death of a loved one
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Crime
However, the two types of traumatic events most commonly associated with PTSD are war or sexual assault related trauma.
Effects of War in PTSD:
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PTSD in war veterans/ victims are caused by exposure to violence and death.
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Symptoms such as hallucinations are more likely to develop.
Effects of Sexual Assault in PTSD:
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Feelings of paranoia and distrust are more likely to develop.
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In extreme cases, they could even be distrustful of loved ones.
To make the character relatable to people who may be suffering from PTSD:
I plan to implement the most likely symptoms from the two most commonly associated with PTSD trauma events into the character.
Next step:
Gaining a better understanding of such symptoms for accurate representation.
PTSD Symptoms
The CAPS scale is a grouping that many different PTSD symptoms can fall under. It is used to generally rate any PTSD symptom.
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Unwanted memories of past traumatic events that may involve all 5 senses.
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Smell is often considered the most disturbing, as it is not often experienced.​​
Intrusive Symptoms
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A person may try to avoid memories of their past traumatic experience.
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Such as avoiding certain people/ places/ things that remind them of their trauma.
Avoidance Symptoms
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Distorted and negative views of oneself and others.
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A lack of interest in daily activities.
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Alienation from others.
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Emotions such as anger, guilt or shame due to association with the trauma.
Negative alterations in cognition and mood
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Hypervigilance.
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Such as increased irritability, aggression, recklessness and impaired concentration.
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Exaggerated startle responses and insomnia.
Alterations in arousal and reactivity
Other Mental Health Conditions
Other mental health conditions are often seen alongside PTSD, as they could be caused by it and vice versa.
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Somatization
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Dissociation
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Psychosis
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Depressive disorders, particularly major depressive disorder (MDD)
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Anxiety disorders
Examples of mental health conditions
SOMATIZATION
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Somatization is when psychological distress manifests in physical symptoms.
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Most common symptoms are fatigue, chest pain/tightness, and shortness of breath.​
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It can contribute to anxiety and depressive disorders.
DISSOCIATION
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Dissociation behaviours include depersonalization and derealisation.
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They are coping mechanisms.
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It is often described as seeing yourself from outside your body.
PSYCHOSIS
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Psychosis is when the brain can't distinguish between what is real and what isn’t.
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Hallucinations and delusions are psychosis symptoms.
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Those with severe dissociative behaviours also experience psychotic symptoms.