Identifying the indicators and manifestations of PTSD can prove challenging, with studies suggesting that merely 2-11% of individuals grappling with trauma symptoms receive a formal diagnosis. This issue underscores Stella's commitment to fostering awareness about the impact of emotional trauma and the available avenues for treatment. We firmly believe that shedding light on the effects and management of trauma can help dismantle the stigmas surrounding PTSD.

While PTSD has commonly been labelled as a disorder, some advocate for a shift in terminology, proposing the term "Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PSTI)" in place of "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)".

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What Are the 17 Symptoms of PTSD?

Experiencing trauma can lead to symptoms that hinder our ability to embrace warmth and affection from others, resulting in significant negative alterations in self-perception and identity, as well as instilling fears that often restrict our enjoyment of pleasurable activities. This may include recurring feelings of helplessness and horror, alongside panic attacks, self-blame, and shame, as well as persistent sleep disturbances and conflicts in interpersonal relationships.

The 17 symptoms of PTSD encompass (not in particular order):

1. Agitation
2. Nervousness and anxiety
3. Problems with concentration or thinking
4. Problems with memory
5. Headaches
6. Depression and crying spells
7. Suicidal thoughts or attempts
8. Mood swings
9. Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
10. Panic episodes
11. Paranoia
12. Shakiness
13. Substance abuse
14. Flashbacks
15. Hypervigilance
16. Nightmares
17. Sleep disturbances

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Read on to understand more on these symptoms.

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Complete our complementary questionnaire if you suspect that you maybe experiencing symptoms indicative of PTSD

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1. Agitation

Agitation encompasses feelings of anxious or nervous excitement, often varying in intensity. Ranging from mild restlessness to pronounced unease or tension, agitation may manifest as fidgetiness or an inability to remain still, potentially escalating to irritability or outbursts of anger, especially in the absence of effective treatment for trauma.

2. Nervousness and anxiety

While it is natural to experience apprehension in anticipation of stressful situations, persistent and overwhelming feelings of nervousness and anxiety following trauma exposure can disrupt daily life. Physical manifestations of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, or fatigue, are common in such instances.

3. Problems with concentration or thinking

Trauma-induced activation of the body's fight-or-flight response often leads to a persistent state of heightened alertness, making it challenging to concentrate or maintain clear thinking.

4. Problems with memory

The fight-or-flight response triggered by trauma exposure can result in nerve growth around the amygdala, impacting the brain's ability to process stress and memory. Memory loss may also occur as a defence mechanism.

5. Headaches

As we grapple with symptoms of trauma, our fight-or-flight response may persistently remain activated, releasing hormones (cortisol and adrelanine) that can influence the nervous system and potentially lead to headaches⁴. While headaches can stem from various causes, they may serve as a notable symptom of PTSD, especially when experienced alongside other related symptoms.

6. Depression and crying spells

Depression can profoundly influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, leading to feelings of sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, and changes in appetite. Additionally, depression may exacerbate fatigue and disrupt sleep patterns, contributing to increased vulnerability and the potential emergence of suicidal ideation.

7. Suicidal thoughts or attempts

The overwhelming nature of PTSD symptoms can sometimes lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, especially when coupled with depression, panic attacks, anxiety, or substance abuse. Individuals grappling with trauma symptoms face an increased risk of suicide, underscoring the importance of seeking timely support and intervention.

If you are thinking about suicide or need emotional support, call lifeline Australian on 13 11 14 or TEXT 0477 13 11 14 for free, 24/7 crisis support. We want you to know that you are not alone and that there is hope.

8. Mood swings

Trauma-induced triggers, panic attacks, and bouts of irritability can precipitate abrupt mood fluctuations. While distinct from bipolar disorder, these mood swings may sometimes resemble symptoms of bipolar disorder and require a thorough diagnostic evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.

9. Obsessive-compulsive tendencies

Although distinct from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), trauma exposure may manifest in behaviours resembling OCD, such as repetitive actions or rituals aimed at mitigating hypervigilance or intrusive thoughts.

OCD and those diagnosed with trauma symptoms can both suffer from intrusive, disturbing thoughts. When we experience both conditions, we often feel a constant impending sense of doom or dread. This can be a sign of PTSD especially if you previously did not have any sort of OCD prior to experiencing trauma.

10. Panic episodes

Intense fear, often overwhelming in its sudden onset, characterises panic episodes following trauma exposure. These episodes may occur unpredictably or in response to trauma-related triggers, accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, trembling, or rapid heart rate.

11. Paranoia

Paranoia, marked by an unwavering belief in one's vulnerability and pervasive suspicion of others' intentions, can emerge as a protective mechanism in response to traumatic or highly stressful events.

12. Shakiness

Shakiness, linked to agitation, nervousness, and anxiety, may manifest as tremors or unsteadiness following trauma exposure.

13. Substance abuse

In an effort to cope with distressing experiences, individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as an escape mechanism from the intrusive thoughts from the trauma experienced. It can temporarily reduce or numb these feelings.

14. Flashbacks

Flashbacks entail vivid re-experiencing of past traumatic events or stressors, often accompanied by an overwhelming sense of fear or helplessness. These distressing episodes may manifest as visual, auditory, or sensory recollections of the trauma, sometimes triggered by reminders of the past. The flashbacks may vary in duration and it can be accompanied by other physcial symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating.

15. Hypervigilance

Hypervigilance reflects a heightened state of alertness and sensitivity to potential threats, stemming from trauma-induced adaptations aimed at self-protection.

This is a very common symptom experienced and reported on by most of our clients who have PTSD presentations. Patients are often scanning their surroundings for a bad thing to happen and may be super edgy and jumpy. They will typically overact to stimuli happening around them.

16. Nightmares

Another very common symptom that we observe in our clients. Trauma-related nightmares can manifest as vivid and distressing dreams, often reenacting traumatic events and contributing to sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue. It can also lead to an overwhelming emotion of anxiety, anger, or sadness upon their waking.

17. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances, including difficulties falling or staying asleep, frequent awakenings, or nightmares, may result from intrusive memories or heightened arousal following trauma exposure. Prolonged sleep deprivation can exacerbate other PTSD symptoms and impact overall well-being. The Sleep Foundation talks about sleep and PTSD here.

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Treating PTSD Symptoms with Stella

In recent years, the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) has emerged as a promising treatment option for symptoms of trauma. Stella founders Dr. Eugene Lipov and Dr. Shauna Springer recently published a study with other trauma experts that indicates that the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is an effective treatment for PTSD symptoms regardless of gender, trauma type, PTSD-related medication use, history of suicide attempt, or age.⁶

The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) administered by Stella offers a potential pathway to lasting relief for millions grappling with emotional trauma. For more information on how SGB works, visit our "How It Works" page.

For further details on Treatment by Stella, contact our Care team via email or just book a free consultation at a time that suits you.

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If you want to learn more about the treatment offered by Stella Centre - schedule a free call our care team now.

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1. _{Ellen C. Meltzer, MD MSc,1 Tali Averbuch, MPP,1 Jeffrey H. Samet, MD MA MPH,1,5 Richard Saitz, MD MPH,1,3,4 Khelda Jabbar, MD,6 Christine Lloyd-Travaglini, MPH,7 and Jane M. Liebschutz, MD MPH1,5 Discrepancy in diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress Itkowitz, C. (2021, October 28). Dropping the 'D' in PTSD is becoming the norm in Washington. The Washington Post. Retrieved February 2, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/06/30/dropping-the-d-in-ptsd-is-becoming-the-norm/}
2. _{disorder (PTSD): Treatment for the wrong reason https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3310322/}
3. _{Eugene G.LipovaJaydeep R.JoshiaSarahSandersaKonstantin V.Slavinb A unifying theory linking the prolonged efficacy of the stellate ganglion block for the treatment of chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), hot flashes, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987709000413}
4. _{B. Lee Peterlin DO,Gretchen E. Tietjen MD,Jan L. Brandes MD,Susan M. Rubin MD,Ellen Drexler MD,Jeffrey R. Lidicker MSc,Sarah Meng DO Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Migraine https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2009.01368.x}
5. _{National Center for PTSD. PTSD and Death from Suicide. Retrieved 9/28/21 from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/publications/rq_docs/V28N4.pdf}
6. _{Lipov, E. G., Jacobs, R., Springer, S., Candido, K. D., & Knezevic, N. N. (2022). Utility of Cervical Sympathetic Block in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Multiple Cohorts: A Retrospective Analysis. Pain Physician, 25(1), 77-85. Available from: https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=NzM5Nw%3D%3D}

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