Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: What Happens to The Brain

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Causes, Symptoms and Treatments


Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a reaction disorder that can occur as a result of a traumatic event. An event is called "traumatic" when a person is confronted with death, the fear of dying or when their physical integrity or that of another person may have been threatened. This event must also cause intense fear, helplessness or horror.

Who is affected by PTSD?

Nearly 90% of Americans have experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime (car accident, physical or sexual assault, robbery, hostage taking, work accident, natural disaster, etc.). Of these, 9% developed post-traumatic stress disorder.

Rates may vary depending on the type of event and the characteristics of the exposed person. Women are at about twice the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. In Canada, approximately 830,000 Canadian women and 370,000 Canadians would currently suffer from this problem.

Symptoms of PTSD

A person who develops post-traumatic stress disorder has three broad classes of symptoms:

She constantly relives the traumatic scene in thought or in nightmares (symptoms of reviviscence)
I
t seeks to avoid - voluntarily or involuntarily - anything that would remind him of some way trauma (avoidance symptoms and Numbing)

She is frequently on the alert and in a state of hypervigilance (symptoms of hyper-arousal) despite the absence of imminent danger
The intensity and duration of post-traumatic stress disorder are highly variable, ranging from a few weeks to several years. About half of people with post-traumatic stress symptoms recover spontaneously within a year or two. In others, post-traumatic stress disorder becomes chronic.

Concurrent Disorders
30 to 80% of people with post-traumatic stress disorder will have a major depressive episode. It is felt by extreme weariness, fatigue, a lack of interest in what surrounds you.

Other disorders that may appear are anxiety disorders, health problems (fibromyalgia, chronic pain), sexual disorders or the abuse of drugs, alcohol or drugs.

A person who has experienced a traumatic event may have post-traumatic stress disorder months or even years later. Delayed onset of symptoms may follow a triggering event (anniversary of event)


Post-traumatic stress is due to a reorganization of the brain

Panic attacks, irrational fears ... The mechanisms underlying post-traumatic stress were previously mysterious. A team from the Neurocentre Magendie in Bordeaux provides important answers. Excessive glucocorticoid production during exposure to intense stress would cause a reversal of the normal activity of the brain structures that encode the memories of fear. And we would lose our head ...



By writing allodoctors
Written on February 24, 2012
As you will have noticed, we have an unfortunate tendency to remember precisely the stressful events while the pleasant memories disappear much more easily. The details of your car accident from last year, for example, are engraved in your memory. On the other hand, you no longer remember the Christmas gifts you received last year, even though they made you very happy.

This is not a coincidence, but a natural consequence of evolution. Like all living beings endowed with behavior, we developed mental abilities of adaptation to survive in hostile environment. The memory of unpleasant past events allows us to adapt our behavior to protect ourselves if a similar situation is represented. This is normal, and rather beneficial.

The state of post-traumatic stress, an "over-reaction" of fear ...
However, some individuals, in contact with particularly stressful events, develop a state, which is abnormal and pathological: the state of post traumatic stress (PTSD).

People in this state feel overwhelmed by fear, whereas no particular danger threatens them. The fault of a disturbed memory, which no longer manages to adapt the reaction of fear to "good" contexts. But the mechanisms of PTSD were previously poorly known.

Scientists even wondered if it was a phenomenon that was only human, or biologically defined, and therefore potentially found in other species.
... with glucocorticoids
Experiments conducted by the research team of Bordeaux on mice allowed to know more. The mice were conditioned to anticipate a threat, in this case an electric shock, an annunciator context, and to distinguish this context annunciator stimulus present during the packaging, but do not predict the threat (in the case of experience, a sound). The mice, in their "normal" state, adopted an attitude of fear, stopping when placed in an annoying context. On the other hand, they did not react to the sounds, non-evocative of stress.

But everything has changed when rodents have been given glucocorticoid hormones, the main biological marker of stress in mammals, which varies from one individual to another. The administration of glucocorticoids following an intense threat produced mice unable to adapt their fear response to the proper contexts ... and frightened for no real reasons, responding to stimuli unrelated to any danger.

This result would suggest that PTSD is likely a result of overproduction of glucocorticoids in some subjects at the time of the traumatic event, which would lead them to "forget" the exact circumstances of stressful events.

12 Adaptogenic Herbs to Relieve Stress, Adrenal Fatigue and Hormone Balance
Other


12 adaptogenic herbs to relieve stress, adrenal fatigue and hormonal balance
12 adaptogenic herbs to relieve stress, adrenal fatigue hormonal balance
Adaptogenic herbs enhance your body's ability to adapt to any stressful environment whether it is related work pressure, high altitude, grass noise etc.A can not be classified as an adaptogen when it is safe to use and to specifically reduce stress, whether physical or psychological.

In this article, discover 12 amazing adaptogenic herbs that are useful in the fight against stress, hormonal imbalance and adrenal fatigue.

We humans have so much to do in our life. From the smallest choices to the most serious decisions, we go through a lot.

In the middle of all this, what we are really forgetting is taking care of our well-being. We are so caught up in our daily lives that we end up giving no time to ourselves.

This leads to psychological and physiological fatigue. You can also call stress. Tell me, have you ever known that by the end of the day, you are so stressed that it makes you sick both physically and mentally?

Most likely yes, no? Usually, then, people tend to spend money and time on drugs and doctors. And in most cases, they do not receive the expected results.

But will not it be amazing if you can get rather better results by something quite natural? Something that will not only save your money, but also prevent you from adverse conditions!

In this article, I will tell you about the beautiful gift of nature by which you can combat your daily stress - whether psychological or physiological. The gift with the name "Adaptogenic Herbs".

What are the adaptogenic herbs?
Adaptogenic herbs, as its name indicates, are plants. Herbs are plants that are grown and used for their medicinal value.

Similarly, adaptogenic herbs are plants that are known for their medicinal goodness. They are also called adaptogens.

The basic function of these herbs is to help maintain the normal functioning of your body. In other words, I can say that adaptogenic herbs take care of your physiology. They take care of the variables that are associated with the proper performance of your system.

In the medical world, adaptogens have a well-established status. This is proven because they are for their excellence in providing a healthy well-being.

Thus, adaptogenic plants are defined as substances that increase the effective resistance of your body against harmful factors towards it.

This means that they help your body to get used to the changing conditions around you and take care of your health.

Adaptogens can also be named as "Ayurveda". Both help to cut physiological and psychological constraints.

Let me tell you a little bit about how they work.

How can adaptogens work?

How to make adaptogens work
The only task of adaptogens is to maintain the balance of your body by controlling stress. They see that each individual function of your system is normalized by maintaining the balance of your body. I would like to explain my point with an example.

Have you ever heard of thermostats? In case, you are not aware of the term, let me set for you. A thermostat is a device or instrument that takes care of the temperature around it to be kept at a standard value.

The use of this device is to detect any drop or rise in temperature around it and stabilize it to normal. Similarly for adaptogenic plants. These herbs keep a check on the proper functioning of the different elements of your body.

In addition, they make sure that any modification of these elements does not interfere with the functioning of your body.

These herbs take care of items such as your adrenal functions. It can beat stress and help your nervous health. They can also help your cells use the extra energy and eliminate all the toxic substances in your blood.

This can develop your body's ability to use more oxygen and therefore, work more efficiently. They can contribute to better strength, endurance, endurance and mental precision.

Stress can be really fatal. You can not achieve this, but stress can lead to a number of disorders that can affect your long-term well-being. To know,

Autoimmune diseases.
immunity back pain.
Asthma.
Cardiovascular illnesses.
Nervous disorders like - headaches or migraine, hypertension, depression, anxiety, insomnia.
Cancer.
Digestive disorders.
Diabetes.
Cancer.
Arthritis.
menstrual irregularities.
Affections of the skin and hair.


Now, these can be achieved by controlling many factors. Few like:

the production of stress hormones.
Antioxidant activity.
nervous health.
Immune system.
metabolism of sugar in the blood.
Energy production.
inflammatory response, etc.
To reduce a long story, these herbs are absolutely wonderful. Let's see what are the different types of adaptogens available out there? This will help you understand and connect more to these magical herbs.

Amazing list of adaptogenic herbs.
Frankly, stress is not some kind of illness or disease. This is essentially the way of life. Every human being, regardless of his / her age, is subject to various kinds of constraints. The only difference is that the subject may vary from person to person.

Every day number of people goes to therapists and counselors seeking help or medical advice to get more stress. They invest a nice amount of capital to these therapists or advisors.

But, why shrink your pocket when nature has the answer to everything? Below is a list of different types of adaptogens, which can help you beat and maintain your stress level.

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng. It is very expensive in India since ancient times and is well known for its medicinal benefits.

This has multiple uses. You can use it as an astringent, or a sedative or a nervine or maybe a tonic.

It can also be of great help for all psychological complaints, such as anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, exhaustion and hypertension. Thus, ashwagandha is one of those herbs that are referred to as adaptogens.

Eleutherococcus
Eleuthero is traditional Chinese medicine that has been proven useful for fighting muscle fatigue and joint pain. The only work of the herb is to vitalize your body as well, energizing for the accomplishment of various tasks.

Psychological well-being, such as the treatment of insomnia, depression, trauma, nervous fatigue and impaired concentration and memory are some of the few points of this beautiful natural drug.

Holy Basil
Holy basil is one of the most readily available herbs. The job of this specific adaptogen is that it does not focus on reducing the level of emotional or physical stress.

On the contrary, it works on the effects that are brought to the point of your body when you experience stress. It just means that it can not change your mood but, it helps your body work efficiently during stress.

maca
Maca is also called Peruvian ginseng. Although he has the term ginseng, however, he does not hold the exact traits that ginseng. The only thing that coincides is that in this plant the root is used for its medicinal virtues.

Maca is an exceptionally large aphrodisiac that makes it a key element in presenting oneself to psychological problems.

It also helps with various anti-stress therapies, especially for women. It helps them fight pre-menstrual stress or stress after meeting menopause. In addition to that, it can also increase your stamina and help your body stay in place for a new challenge.Maca is the best adaptogenic plant for hormonal balance.

Panax Ginseng Ginseng Asian or
This plant has also been used in China for centuries. It is able to provide sufficient amount of energy to your body by improving the it.Ginseng effect is the best adaptogenic plant for adrenal fatigue.

Thus, Panax Ginseng is productive that enhances the performance of your mental and physical functioning.

This helps to rejuvenate your body against all kinds of trauma and emotional, physical or psychological stress. In addition, you can use it as an antidepressant or antidiabetic or even against cancer.

Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea is a simple herb that can take care of the overall health of your body. It is anti-stress in nature and it is also effective to beat fatigue problems.

The essential function of the plant is that which relates to cortisol. This is one of the main stress hormones.

Usually, people who suffer from stress problems have an abnormal level of cortisol. Rhodiola rosea helps your body stabilize the level of cortisol in the blood and therefore, supports the cellular energy metabolism. It facilitates the functions of your brain and prevents depression.

Suma
Suma is relatively an herb discovered later. It contains vitamins, amino acids, minerals and many complementary extracts such as arginine and glycine.



This herb has been effective in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, fatigue and stress. It is also beneficial in hardening pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to keep a check on your blood pressure and blood sugar level.

talus
Another famous herb of China, Astragalus helps to reduce and cure diseases due to prolonged stress. It helps boost your vitality and strengthen your immune system.

Studies have proven that this priceless plant can rejuvenate distressed organs by taking care of a number of things. Few like, macrophage activity, natural killer cell activity or T cell activity.

As a result, these processes help your immune system work better and relieve you of many ailments.

Licorice root
Licorice is supplied with rich percentages of saponins and flavonoids. Saponin contributes to the anti-inflammatory properties of the herb.

This helps strengthen your immune system and stimulates your adrenal cortex. Apart from these licorice roots are anti-hepatotoxic and antineoplastic in nature.

It also has antiallergic properties and can cure peptic ulcers. Studies have shown that they can also help people with HIV.

Reishi, shiitake and maitake.
Ideally, these herbs can not be called adaptogens. However, they play an individual role in contributing to the protection of your immunity.

These are actually mushrooms and are used in a traditional way as tonics. Although, these herbs have a history that says how they contribute in terms of medical wellness, but, it is advisable that you consult a doctor before using them.

Schisandra.
Schisandra is generally used as a tonic that compliments the health of your liver. But, apart from that, he is also very well known for his anti-stress properties.

This plant can look for effective results when used to combat insomnia, fatigue, stress, poor mental coordination. He also hikes your physical and emotional stamina.

These are obtained by electric shocks in your brain. Schisandra takes care of these electric shocks and thus, removes the stress hormones from your blood.

Jiaogulan.
Jiaogulan holds saponins similar to Asian ginseng. Studies say that this plant has powerful regulatory effects with respect to all the functions of your body.

It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help your body achieve a healthy blood pressure number. It is also effective in terms of improving your immunity, cholesterol levels and strength to withstand any physical or psychological pressure.

Side effects of adaptogens Herbs
I always make a point that I am well known on both sides of every thing that I add to my lifestyle.

Although I am talking about the complete natural substances in this article, which does not change, each piece has two sides. What can be easy for me does not need to have the same effect on you.

I just want to say that adaptogens can also have a disadvantage. Let's see, what can all of you look for if badly done.

These herbs may not be very helpful during the phases of pregnancy and those who are breastfeeding. Well, there are no specific studies done that can solidify this statement. However, it is wise to maintain a distance for the safety of the mother and the child.
Overconsumption of adaptogenic plants can lead to stomach upset. Thus, it can weaken your digestive system and cause acute digestive disorders such as diarrhea, vomiting or even gastric ulcers.
It is advisable not to apply the herbs directly to your skin as this can lead to skin irritation and rashes or inflammation.
These can also end up having autoimmune diseases.
Many adaptogens can be a serious problem if you are diabetic or individual high blood pressure. They can lower your blood sugar levels and also increase the value of healthy blood pressure.
One of the ironic side effects of adaptogens may be that it can make your condition worse by causing insomnia or bipolar disorder.

Some herbs can also slow down your central nervous system.
They can also raise your thyroid hormone levels and lead to thyroid disorders.
final Words
Stress can be one of the main causes that can damage your health. Usually, people seek medical help by investing a lot of time and money on them. But there is always a bearing on the merits of nature.

This article contains a detailed description of how you can meet the natural stressors busting. They are called adaptogenic herbs.

There are several benefits of each specific plant. But, know that each plant may also possess agents that can cause harmful ailments to your body.

What is wise is to keep complete control over every single disadvantage and take appropriate measures to avoid them. The prerequisite for using these adaptogenic plants is that you see a professional and go medical through proper testing.

This will ensure that your body can support the actions of the herbs and does not create havoc. I hope this article has been beneficial to you and hopefully these herbs give you the desired results but its always a good idea to first always research the side effect of any treatment even if it is 100 % natural so you know the one most suitedbfir the symptoms of anxiety you are struggling with.