PTSD and depression – how are they similar, and how do they differ?

Above all, it is worth remembering that PTSD is one thing and depression. Causes and symptoms of these two mental health conditions may be similar, but they are not identical. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a mental disorder classified among anxiety disorders. It develops as a result of stress-generating factors, most often various traumas. These may include situations in which one's own life or the life of a close person is threatened, or the physical or psychological integrity of an individual is violated as a result of, for example, rape, psychological abuse or accidents. In most cases, these are unexpected situations that no one can prepare for. Symptoms of PTSD include a significant lowering of mood and decreased libido, sometimes suicidal thoughts or actions, anhedonia (a state in which nothing brings us joy), numbness and reluctance to perform any activities.

As can be seen, depression is experienced by people with PTSD, but not every person with depression is also experiencing post-traumatic stress. Depression most often develops as a result of intensely experienced stress and unpleasant life events (which, although difficult, are not as severe as trauma) – divorce, job loss, separation from a partner, and sometimes endogenous factors. Some people are more predisposed to depression because of their body's reduced ability to maintain hormonal balance and insufficient serotonin production.

Symptoms of PTSD – how can post-traumatic stress disorder be recognized?

PTSD consists of a range of different psychological and emotional, as well as physical, symptoms. They may appear immediately after a traumatic event or only after some time. The most common symptoms of PTSD include:

  • so-called reminiscences, or vivid memories of the trauma that cannot be dispelled and are intrusive and unexpected
  • sadness and a markedly lowered mood
  • fear
  • isolating oneself from others and withdrawing into oneself and one's four walls
  • anhedonia, or the inability to feel joy and pleasure
  • suicidal thoughts or actions
  • inability to control one's emotions, especially anger.

When it comes to the physical symptoms of PTSD, strong heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, loss of appetite, dizziness and headaches, rapid breathing and insomnia most often occur. In addition, because people with PTSD also suffer from depression, the above symptoms are accompanied by those associated with this condition: compulsive overeating or a complete lack of appetite, and susceptibility to addictions (watching television, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol). This form of depression is often called post-traumatic depression and occurs up to five times more frequently than in the rest of the population.

Treatment of PTSD

Treatment of post-traumatic stress involves complex therapy, including both the use of medications from several groups and psychotherapy. Good results are achieved by using individual and group therapy simultaneously. A psychiatrist diagnoses PTSD on the basis of an extensive interview and, sometimes, conversations with the patient's close relatives. Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered the most effective form of therapy for post-traumatic stress.

Over-the-counter depression medications are actually preparations recommended for mild states of low mood. Let us remember that depression is an illness and, as such, should always be treated under the supervision of a professional – preferably with prescription medications and therapy. Herbal preparations that gently reduce tension and facilitate falling asleep may support such medical treatment, but in the case of depression they are insufficient.

PTSD – prognosis

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress should never be ignored. Although there are known cases in which the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disappear on their own, the consequences of not treating the condition can be enormous for both mental and physical health. Chronic PTSD lasts longer than 3 months, with periodic exacerbations of the illness. Treating PTSD requires many months of work, and sometimes even years. The time needed to regain health is communicated by the doctor and is an individual matter. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that properly treated post-traumatic stress is curable in most cases if the patient follows therapeutic recommendations.