PTSD in women can cause fear, anxiety, flashbacks, hallucinations, and a lack of emotion. Women are twice as likely to develop the condition and may exhibit risky behaviors. Treatment includes behavior therapy and medication.
Women suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can be nervous or depressed. PTSD in women can be very similar to the condition in men, resulting in strong feelings of anger or even violence. In women, however, it is somewhat more likely to express itself as fear or anxiety.
Flashbacks are a common sign of PTSD in women. Such flashbacks are induced by sensory triggers related to the trauma that caused the PTSD, such as a particular person’s voice or a specific scent. Through these flashbacks of traumatic events, patients feel as if they are reliving these painful events in their mind.
Because flashbacks can be triggered unexpectedly in various environments, PTSD in women also usually includes some degree of solitary behavior. Patients often show a general reluctance to interact with others and withhold many social activities to avoid possible flashbacks. In some cases, PTSD can be so severe that patients refuse to leave the house.
Hallucinations or delusions can similarly occur in cases of PTSD. These cases often cause the victim to behave in unusual ways. Feelings of paranoia may also occur, such as believing they are being spied on or believing they are experiencing some sort of mind control. Psychotic symptoms like these can occur in up to half of patients suffering from PTSD.
In addition to the experiences caused by PTSD in women, the condition can also involve a lack of emotion. Patients may stop responding to emotional stimuli or even appear apathetic. Some victims may have difficulty speaking or, in severe cases, stop speaking altogether.
PTSD in women is much more common than PTSD in men; in fact, women have twice the risk of developing the condition. A stigma can develop against women exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. While every victim is different, some women respond to the condition by exhibiting risky behaviors. Many women turn to illegal drugs, unprotected sex with strangers, or alcohol to cope with PTSD. A trained therapist can often help women deal with their illness in a healthier and less dangerous way.
Treatment of PTSD in women is typically accomplished through behavior therapy with a professional psychiatrist. Prescription medications may also be needed, depending on the patient’s symptoms. A sleep aid may be prescribed, for example, if the patient has frequent nightmares or insomnia. Coping techniques, such as breathing exercises, are also often incorporated.
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