
Everyday Neuro: Psychology and Neuroscience Podcast
Everyday Neuro 019: How to Recognise and Support Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- PTSD is a chronic disorder caused by exposure to traumatic events and can have significant consequences on mental and physical well-being.
- In the short term, strategies like monitoring stress levels, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and balancing time spent alone and with others can help cope with stress and improve overall well-being.
Deep dives
Understanding PTSD
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a chronic and debilitating psychological disorder caused by exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Those affected can experience symptoms such as trouble sleeping, irritability, hyper-vigilance, and reliving the traumatic event through memories or intense reactions. PTSD can have significant consequences on mental and physical well-being, as well as interpersonal relationships and work performance. It is prevalent globally, with approximately 4% of the Australian population likely to experience PTSD in a given 12-month period, and rates ranging from 6 to 9% in the United States and Canada. Professional care and treatment can help manage PTSD symptoms effectively.