Types of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental illness that is caused by a traumatic or terrifying event. Based on symptoms, response to trauma can be categorized into five main types. These are: (1) normal stress response, (2) acute stress disorder, (3) uncomplicated PTSD, (4) comorbid PTSD, and (5) complex PTSD.

Normal Stress Response. Healthy adults who have experienced a traumatic event in their adult life can have normal stress responses consisting of:

  • Overwhelming bad memories
  • Emotional numbing
  • Depersonalization or the feeling of unreality
  • Detachment from close relationships
  • Bodily tension
  • Distress

For this category of trauma response, individuals can successfully achieve complete recovery rather quickly.

Acute Stress Disorder. Acute stress disorder can cause:

  • Panic reactions
  • Mental confusion
  • Dissociation
  • Severe insomnia
  • Suspiciousness
  • An inability manage self care, work or relationship activities

Normally a single trauma does not cause this type of disorder.

Uncomplicated PTSD. Uncomplicated PTSD involves the person:

  • Reliving the traumatic event repeatedly
  • Avoiding stimuli associated with the trauma
  • Experiencing emotional numbing
  • Experiencing symptoms of increased emotional arousal

While this category of PTSD can be officially diagnosed, it is usually more common to have these symptoms occur with other disorders, which can be better explained in the next section.

Comorbid PTSD. This type of PTSD is comorbid, or exists simultaneously, with other major psychiatric disorders, such as:

  • Alcoholism or substance abuse
  • Depression
  • Panic attacks or anxiety

While treatment for the PTSD may be similar to the treatment for uncomplicated PTSD, it is important to also treat the accompanying psychiatric or addiction issues.

Complex PTSD. Individuals who have Complex PTSD have incurred prolonged traumatic circumstances, such as childhood abuse, and may exhibit:

  • Behavioral difficulties (e.g. sexual acting out, self-destructive actions, impulsivity, aggression)
  • Emotional difficulties (e.g. intense rage, depression, panic)
  • Mental difficulties (e.g. fragmented thoughts, dissociation, amnesia)

This type of PTSD may also be called “Disorder of Extreme Stress,” and people with this type of PTSD are also diagnosed with borderline personality or dissociative disorders.

PTSD Treatment Facilities: Help is Available

It is normal to experience many feelings and emotions after a traumatic event, and such feelings and emotions may not necessarily be classified as a post-traumatic stress disorder. However, if these feelings and emotions occur more than once a month, are extremely intense, or if you feel like you are having difficulty getting your life under control, you need to speak with a qualified professional. With the right treatment, you can be on your way to recovery.

Take an online assessment and/or learn more about Bridges to Recovery, PTSD treatment facilities today.