PTSD: Nursing Overview

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors that can significantly impact a person’s daily life. PTSD is a prevalent condition that affects a wide range of individuals, including war veterans, survivors of sexual assault, and those who have experienced accidents or natural disasters. Nurses play a crucial role in identifying and managing PTSD symptoms in their clients.

Last updated: October 9, 2024

PTSD meaning: what is PTSD?

PTSD stands for posttraumatic stress disorder.

It is a disorder that can develop in people that have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, memories taking over the present moment making the client re-experience the fear even after the traumatic event has ended, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors that interfere with ADLs. PTSD can be acute or chronic.

What is complex PTSD?

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a condition that results from repeated, prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often occurring in contexts where the individual feels trapped or without a viable escape, such as in cases of long-term abuse, captivity, or ongoing childhood neglect.

Symptoms of C-PTSD can include those seen in PTSD.

Who is at high risk for developing PTSD?

PTSD affects 7–8 out of 100 people at some point in their life. High-risk populations for developing PTSD include:

War veterans
Children
Assault and abuse survivors
Those who have experienced accidents, disaster, mass conflict or displacement
Those who have experienced other life-threatening events such as medical events or natural disasters

What causes PTSD?

Common causes of PTSD include:

Sexual violence
Interpersonal experiences (death of loved one, life-threatening illness of child)
Violence, assault, combat
Mass conflict or displacement
Other life-threatening events (medical events, accidents, natural disasters)
Childhood trauma

What are PTSD symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of PTSD include:

Nightmares/insomnia
Panic attacks
Substance abuse
Cognitive delays in children
Intrusive thoughts or memories, flashbacks
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, dread
Avoidance of reminders of event
Changes in arousal, reactivity
Dissociation, numbness, flat affect when discussing events

What are triggers in PTSD?

Triggers can lead to exhibition of, or worsening, signs and symptoms of PTSD. Triggers can be anything that reminds a client of what happened right before or during the traumatic event.

Usually tied to senses
Can be places, sounds, tastes, scents, situations, or anniversaries

How to diagnose PTSD

Diagnosis of PTSD can be made in clients ≥ 6 years old that meet the DSM-5-TR criteria*:

Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence
At least 1 re-experiencing symptom
At least 1 avoidance symptom
At least 2 arousal and reactivity symptoms
At least 2 cognition and mood symptoms

* The DSM-5-TR expands on the criteria for each category.

What are options for PTSD treatment?

Positive coping strategies

Relaxation techniques
Learning about trauma and PTSD
Support groups
Understanding triggers
Professional support
Animal-assisted therapy
Mindfulness

Types of therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Sensorimotor psychotherapy
Group or family therapy
Prolonged exposure therapy

Medications

SSRIs
Other antidepressants
Beta blockers
Mood stabilizers
Anti-psychotics
Benzodiazepines
Alternative/complementary therapies

How to help someone with PTSD

As a nurse, you play a vital role in helping a client with PTSD. Here are key steps:

Create a safe environment.
Regularly monitor symptoms, mental state, and vital signs.
Educate the client about PTSD.
Encourage therapy compliance.
Teach coping strategies.
Emphasize the importance of healthy habits, like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene.
Encourage participation in group therapy or support groups.
Educate family members about PTSD and how they can provide support.
Advocate for the patient: Be their voice in care meetings, ensure their needs are met, and their rights respected.

Always ensure you're working as part of a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care.

Depression: Nursing Diagnosis & Symptoms

FREE CHEAT SHEET