Psychology Unplugged The Psychology of PTSD
Nov 17, 2025
Explore the complexities of PTSD beyond the basic definition. Discover the four symptom clusters and how triggers can send someone back in time. Learn the balance between avoidance for short-term relief and its long-term costs, along with the impact on mood and cognition. Dive into how trauma rewires the brain and differentiate between PTSD and complex PTSD. Find out about effective treatments, including evidence-based therapies and medication options, while addressing common myths about PTSD.
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When The Past Hijacks The Present
- PTSD is what happens when the nervous system stays stuck in survival mode long after the threat has passed.
- The past effectively hijacks the present and produces persistent symptoms.
Spot Core Intrusive Symptoms
- Recognize intrusive symptoms: memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and intense distress to reminders.
- Track these signs to determine whether trauma exposures meet PTSD criteria.
Avoidance Gives Short Relief, Long Harm
- Avoidance reduces immediate distress but narrows life and can cost relationships and functioning.
- Short-term safety from avoidance often creates long-term harm like shrinkage of activities.
