The presence of one or more of the following:
· Spontaneous or cued recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic events (Note: In children repetitive play may occur in which themes or aspects of the traumatic events are expressed.).
· Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content or affect (i.e. feeling) of the dream is related to the events (Note: In children there may be frightening dreams without recognizable content).
· Flashbacks or other dissociative reactions in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic events are recurring (Note: In children trauma-specific reenactment may occur in play).
· Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic events.
· Physiological reactions to reminders of the traumatic events.
Persistent avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic events or of external reminders (i.e., people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations).
Two or more of the following:
· Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic events (not due to head injury, alcohol, or drugs).
· Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted,” "The world is completely dangerous").
· Persistent, distorted blame of self or others about the cause or consequences of the traumatic events.
· Persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame.
·Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
· Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
· Persistent inability to experience positive emotions.
Two or more of the following marked changes in arousal and reactivity:
· Irritable or aggressive behavior.
· Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
· Hypervigilance.
· Exaggerated startle response.
· Problems with concentration.
· Difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep.
Reference: https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/symptoms
I know that the above list of PTSD symptoms are daunting in that it hits close to home.
Perhaps for the first time you have realized that you, or someone you love, likely suffers from PTSD.
Please don’t despair.
I want you know that there is hope in sight.
As I’ve written previously, research proves that magnesium supplementation helps to reverse PTSD.
“Magnesium deficiency induces anxiety and HPA axis dysregulation: Modulation by therapeutic drug treatment”
Neuropharmacology. 2012 Jan; 62(1): 304–312.
doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.07.027
PMCID: PMC3198864
PMID: 21835188
I am now issuing a call-to-action.
Or shall I say a call-to-arms.
I am opening my arms to you and everyone you know and love to invite you to join my magnesium PTSD research study.
If you suspect that you or someone you love is suffering from PTSD, take my PTSD quiz right now.
If the results, indicate that PTSD is present, please reach out to me.