Can Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Develop Years After a Traumatic Event?

Did you know that signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can surface years after initial trauma or repetitious triggering events? Keep reading to learn more about PTSD and how we can help.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often associated with immediate or recent traumatic experiences, such as combat, accidents, or assaults. However, you may not realize that PTSD can manifest years after the initial trauma, casting a long and unpredictable shadow over your life.

This delayed onset of PTSD can challenge your understanding of trauma's enduring impact. This very fact is why the team at Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio places so much importance on ongoing mental health support.

Our providers have expertise in PTSD and treating all aspects of the condition. Let’s look at the many facets of PTSD and your treatment options.

Understanding PTSD

Your mind is where your memories, emotions, and experiences intertwine. Sometimes, traumatic events recede and lie dormant, buried beneath the surface, only to resurface unexpectedly years later.

This delayed onset of PTSD can occur because of factors like suppressed memories, chronic stress, or triggering events reminiscent of the original trauma.

Understanding the delayed onset of PTSD

Unlike acute PTSD, when symptoms emerge shortly after the trauma, delayed-onset cases can catch you off guard, leaving you bewildered and struggling to make sense of your emotions.

This delayed recognition can lead to feelings of isolation and self-doubt, exacerbating the already heavy burden of PTSD.

One common scenario is veterans who return from war seemingly unscathed, only to grapple with PTSD symptoms years later. These delayed reactions often stem from the cumulative toll of multiple deployments, each adding a layer of psychological strain.

In the same way, survivors of childhood abuse or neglect may not exhibit PTSD symptoms until adulthood, when they confront triggers or undergo significant life changes.

Treatment options

Because the passage of time may have altered your circumstances and coping mechanisms, what worked in the immediate aftermath of the trauma may no longer be effective years later.

Therefore, we tailor therapy approaches to address your evolving needs, incorporating elements of trauma-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and mindfulness practices. We can also prescribe oral medication.

If medication doesn't provide relief for your PTSD, intravenous (IV) ketamine might be a suitable alternative. Ketamine, once solely an anesthetic, is a treatment we utilize for PTSD and other mental health conditions. It boosts specific brain chemicals and reactivates inactive brain connections, leading to rapid symptom relief.

Next steps

If you’ve experienced trauma and have signs of distress, even if years have passed since the initial incident, we’re here for you. Schedule a psychiatric evaluation today.

In addition to treatment, we can help you foster a supportive environment where you feel comfortable seeking help, regardless of when your symptoms arise.

Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team in Dublin, Ohio. Call us at 380-214-1636, or click here to book online now.