We Ask an Expert About the Common Causes of PTSD
When Elevate’s own Aspen Jewel and Dr. Merchant went live on FB a while back, they dove right into the subject of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes. Tyler Merchant, DO is one of our wonderful and compassionate cannabis doctors at Elevate Holistics and the medical director of Holistic Family Medicine and Obstetrics LLC in Sedalia, MO.
Dr. Merchant’s Experience
While he is not a psychiatrist, Dr. Merchant has seen his fair share of people living with PTSD. He describes himself as a family doctor who works extensively with patients with mood disorders and traumas, and has developed helpful knowledge and understanding to share from a medical standpoint.
What Are PTSD Causes?
According to Dr. Merchant, we don’t have a firm understanding of why some people get PTSD when exposed to the same things that others can handle. Common triggers include combat veterans and military service, but Dr. Merchant notes that in his experience, less than a third of his PTSD patients are from military backgrounds.
Kinds of PTSD Triggers
Dr. Merchant points out that PTSD affects a much wider population than most people realize. Victims of assault, abuse, and other traumas make up a significant portion of PTSD patients. Other triggers include witnessing traumatic events, or having a serious medical condition that upends a person’s entire life.
Negative Impacts on Patients
Dr. Merchant also discusses how lack of healthcare access and the perceived disinterest of doctors can negatively impact patients with PTSD and mood disorders. A poor rapport with a physician or therapist can significantly worsen outcomes, which is why finding the right provider matters enormously for PTSD patients.
Psychological and Physical Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD manifests in both psychological and physical ways. On the psychological side: irritability, anger, depression, and anxiety. Physically: insomnia, inability to shut off racing thoughts, trembling, chest pain, shortness of breath, flashbacks, and nightmares. The vast range of symptoms makes clear how significantly PTSD can impact daily life.
Recap: What Causes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
- There’s no firm understanding of why some people experience PTSD and others do not.
- In Dr. Merchant’s experience, soldier PTSD is common, but sexual assault and continued abuse is a prevalent cause as well.
- Other situations that may cause PTSD include witnessing gruesome events or having quality of life decreased by an illness or condition.
- Lack of healthcare access or poor doctor-patient rapport can negatively affect PTSD patients.
- PTSD can cause both psychological and physical symptoms.
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Want to learn more about how cannabis helps PTSD patients? Our dedicated guide on medical marijuana and PTSD covers qualifying conditions, research, and how to get started. Ready to get your physician certification? Book your telehealth appointment today with one of Elevate Holistics’ compassionate cannabis doctors.
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