Emotion-focused, defensive and palliative coping are more prevalent in women, while problem-focused coping is higher in men. Women seek more social support, the lack of it being the most consistent predictor of negative outcome of trauma.
The Gender Difference of PTSD
While PTSD can happen to anyone, statistics show that there is a significant gender difference in the prevalence of PTSD. According to the National Center for PTSD, around 10% of women have PTSD sometime in their lives compared to 4% of men.
Women with PTSD may be more likely than men with PTSD to: Be easily startled. Have more trouble feeling emotions or feel numb. Avoid things that remind them of the trauma.
Can someone with PTSD have a relationship? Yes, people who experience PTSD symptoms can have relationships, but it might take a lot of work, and all parties will need to do their best to take care of their mental health. You must consider the traumatic stress disorder PTSD in many situations in the relationship.
Gender difference in susceptibility to PTSD appear to be at least partially related to the fact that women are more likely to experience sexual assault, as this experience carries one of the highest risks for PTSD (9).
PTSD can be misdiagnosed as the symptoms or behaviors of other mental health conditions. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder, and more, have similarities to PTSD. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event has PTSD.
Misdiagnosis with BPD
Some of the symptoms of complex PTSD are very similar to those of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and not all professionals are aware of complex PTSD. As a result, some people are given a diagnosis of BPD or another personality disorder when complex PTSD fits their experiences more closely.
People who have been through complex trauma often experience severe emotional pain, depression and anxiety as adults. They may also experience: Lack of self-esteem and sense of self. This is often related to abuse.
feelings of worthlessness, shame and guilt. problems controlling your emotions. finding it hard to feel connected with other people. relationship problems, like having trouble keeping friends and partners.
Negative feelings
PTSD can make someone seem like a different person. If you believe your family member no longer has the traits you loved, it may be hard to feel good about them. The best way to avoid negative feelings is to educate yourself about PTSD.
NYU Langone psychiatry experts have published two studies that identify predictive factors of PTSD, such as sleep quality, in soldiers and police officers. Soldiers and police officers show elevated rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to repeated exposure to disturbing or distressing experiences.
Alterations in arousal and reactivity: Arousal and reactive symptoms may include being irritable and having angry outbursts; behaving recklessly or in a self-destructive way; being overly watchful of one's surroundings in a suspecting way; being easily startled; or having problems concentrating or sleeping.
Re-experiencing is the most typical symptom of PTSD. This is when a person involuntarily and vividly relives the traumatic event in the form of: flashbacks. nightmares.
ADHD's major symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity – which can also be signs of PTSD. For this reason, PTSD symptoms are sometimes mistaken for ADHD. It can also mean a PTSD diagnosis is missed in someone who has both conditions, because the ADHD is seen to explain all their symptoms.
Chronic feelings of guilt, shame and self-blame. Feelings of emptiness. Difficulty forming and maintaining close relationships. Feeling as through no one understands you or what you've been through.
Our review suggests that individuals with PTSD, a history of trauma, or depression are at risk for producing false memories when they are exposed to information that is related to their knowledge base. Memory aberrations are notable characteristics of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
The main difference between PTSD and the experience of trauma is important to note. A traumatic event is time-based, while PTSD is a longer-term condition where one continues to have flashbacks and re-experiencing the traumatic event.
Acute stress disorder (ASD).
The symptoms of ASD are similar to PTSD, but occur within the first month after exposure to trauma. Prompt treatment and appropriate social support can reduce the risk of ASD developing into PTSD.
If someone has PTSD, it may cause changes in their thinking and mood. They may suffer from recurrent, intrusive memories. Upsetting dreams, flashbacks, negative thoughts, and hopelessness are also common. Experiencing PTSD triggers may cause the symptoms to become worse or reoccur frequently.
When it comes to men, they typically struggle with anger, isolation, and avoidance. And often this behavior has been going on a long time before they get help. Yet, even though trauma can be different for men, that doesn't mean that they won't benefit from trauma treatment.
Trauma affects a man's mental health.
Unresolved trauma can lead to developing depression or anxiety. It can also worsen the symptoms of these conditions when left untreated. Men can feel powerless and struggle with maintaining healthy relationships and their self-esteem.
The typical onset age for PTSD is in young and middle adulthood. The NCS-R reported a median onset age of 23 (interquartile range: ages 15-39) among adults (Kessler et al., 2005).
A sense of responsibility, competence, and a valuing of connection are among strengths adults with a CPTSD history can carry.