Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying or traumatic event. A traumatic event is something that causes intense fear, helplessness or horror. It can be a single event, like a car accident, natural disaster or assault, or it can be ongoing, like domestic violence or combat. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD; however, for some women, the effects can be long lasting and have a significant impact on their lives. Approximately 8% of women will have PTSD at some point during their lives. 

Causes of PTSD in women

Anyone who experiences a traumatic event can develop PTSD. However, women are disproportionately affected. Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD than men; this may be because of the types of trauma that women are more likely to experience. Women can be more likely to develop PTSD because they can be more vulnerable to certain types of abuse, and stereotyped gender roles may increase the negative impact of trauma experienced. Women can also face additional strain on their gendered social role and stress reactions. Examples of traumatic events women may experience include:

• Sexual assault — This is one of the most common causes of PTSD in women. The physical and emotional trauma of a sexual assault can have long-lasting effects on women.
• Domestic violence — A woman can develop PTSD if she experiences physical, emotional or psychological abuse by an intimate partner. 
• Child abuse — If a woman experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse as a child, her risk of developing PTSD in life increases. 
• Witnessing violence — Seeing violence, such as domestic violence against a loved one or community violence, may also contribute to PTSD. 
• Sudden death or illness — The sudden, accidental, or violent death or serious illness of a loved one can trigger PTSD.
• Natural disasters — Women can be more affected by natural disasters and be at a higher risk for PTSD. 
• Accidents — Serious accidents like a car accident or workplace injury can be a trigger for PTSD. 
• War — Being exposed to war or combat as a civilian or through military service can cause PTSD. 

Risk factors for PTSD in women can include:

• Early childhood trauma
• Lack of social support
• Other mental health conditions
• Substance use
• Type of trauma
• Length and severity of trauma

Not all women who experience these traumas will develop PTSD. However, it’s important to seek help if you believe you are struggling with PTSD. Women can be more likely to wait to seek help for their PTSD symptoms and can delay an average of four years. 

Common symptoms of PTSD in women

PTSD symptoms can be different for everyone, but some common symptoms in women include:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Intrusive thoughts
• Avoidance tendencies 
• Hyperarousal
• Mood changes
• Physical symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, headaches or sleep problems

How is PTSD in women diagnosed?

If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing PTSD, please seek help from a mental health professional or health care provider. To receive a PTSD diagnosis, the mental health professional or health care provider will do an evaluation that may include:

• Your detailed medical history
• A review of your symptoms
• A delicate discussion of your traumatic event

There isn’t a specific test for PTSD, but a diagnosis will be based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). 

How is PTSD in women treated?

There are several effective treatments for PTSD. The best treatment plan will depend on your individual specific needs and symptoms and may include one or a combination of:

• Therapy — Therapy can provide a safe space to process your traumatic experiences. It can help you learn the tools and gain the support you need to heal. Your therapist may use a combination of evidence-based techniques to address the challenges posed by PTSD. Effective techniques may include:
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — CBT can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns related to your trauma. 
• Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy — PE can involve gradually confronting trauma-related memories, thoughts and feelings in a safe and controlled environment. 
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) — EMDR involves focusing on traumatic memories while following a therapist’s finger movements. 
• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) — TF-CBT specifically addresses the needs of those who have experienced trauma. 
• Medication — Medications can help manage the symptoms of PTSD and are often used in combination with therapy. Common medications prescribed for PTSD in women include:
• • Antidepressants
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Sleep medications
• Support groups — Getting connected with others who have had similar experiences can be helpful in managing PTSD in addition to therapy and medication management. In a support group, you’ll have a safe space to share experiences and learn from others. This can provide you all with a sense of community and understanding. 
• Self-care — While professional treatment with therapy or medication management is essential, it can also be beneficial to practice self-care. Self-care practices that can help in your PTSD recovery include:
  • Regular exercise
  • Nutritious diet
  • Adequate sleep
  • Relaxation techniques

Complications of untreated PTSD in women

If left untreated, PTSD can have a significant impact on a woman’s life, including:

• Difficulty with relationships
• Substance use
• Physical health problems
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

It’s important to remember that healing takes time and isn’t linear. Asking for help with PTSD is a sign of strength, not weakness. Be patient with yourself during your healing journey; give yourself grace when you experience setbacks, and celebrate your accomplishments. Seeking support from your loved ones, friends and professionals can help you. Managing PTSD and thriving is possible with the right treatment.

Lightfully Behavioral Health can help empower women to overcome PTSD

It can be a challenging journey to live with PTSD, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Lightfully, we understand the unique struggles women can experience living with PTSD. Our deeply compassionate experts offer a supportive and understanding environment where you can begin your healing journey. We use a unique framework created from components of evidence-based techniques to create a personalized treatment plan to provide you with whole-person-centered care. This approach allows us to address the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of PTSD, which can empower you to heal and thrive. Recovery is possible, and we are committed to walking alongside you on your path to healing. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.