Can PTSD cause memory loss?

If you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may notice that you have trouble concentrating or that you have issues with your memory, such as memory loss. In fact, memory and concentration problems are common symptoms of PTSD.

Does caffeine worsen PTSD?

However, the repeated administration of caffeine induces anxiety, disturbance in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and psychiatric symptoms in humans. As much evidence links PTSD to HPA axis dysfunction, and anxiety is a hallmark symptom, repeated and/or large doses of caffeine may exacerbate symptoms of PTSD.

How do you relax with PTSD?

Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, massage, or yoga can activate the body’s relaxation response and ease symptoms of PTSD. Avoid alcohol and drugs. When you’re struggling with difficult emotions and traumatic memories, you may be tempted to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs.

What is the best treatment for post traumatic stress disorder?

The FDA has approved only paroxetine and sertraline for treating PTSD….Doctors will usually start with medications that affect the neurotransmitters serotonin or norepinephrine (SSRIs and SNRIs), including:

Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Does PTSD make you jumpy?

People with PTSD may be easily startled, on edge, jumpy, irritable, or tense. This may be due to high levels of stress hormones in the body. Difficulty concentrating and trouble sleeping can be part of this hyper-alert, anxious state.

How do you deal with PTSD in a relationship?

How to help a partner with PTSD

Avoid blaming them for their symptoms, minimizing the severity of their trauma, and telling them to “snap out of it.”
Encourage them to seek treatment and offer to help them do so.
If the partner has thoughts of suicide, work with a therapist to develop a suicide prevention plan.