Symptoms of ptsd in women
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Symptoms of PTSD in Women
Cognitive Impairments in Women with PTSD
Women with PTSD often experience significant cognitive impairments. Research indicates that unresolved PTSD symptoms are associated with worse psychomotor speed, attention, and learning/working memory compared to women who have experienced trauma but do not have PTSD 1. Additionally, women with remitted PTSD symptoms still show a faster decline in learning and working memory over time, suggesting that even after symptom remission, cognitive deficits may persist 1.
Emotional Distress and Psychological Symptoms
Emotional distress is a common symptom among women with PTSD, particularly those in abusive relationships. Studies show that women in psychologically abusive relationships report high levels of emotional distress, with psychoticism being the most prominent symptom 3. Furthermore, PTSD symptoms such as intrusive thoughts and cognitive failures are strongly linked to severe emotional distress and even suicidal tendencies in these women 3.
Intrusion and Avoidance Symptoms
Intrusion and avoidance are key symptoms of PTSD in women, especially those who have experienced abuse. Intrusion symptoms include trouble falling asleep and experiencing strong emotional waves related to the trauma, while avoidance symptoms involve efforts to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma and staying away from reminders of it 4. These symptoms are significantly correlated with the severity of the abuse, regardless of the woman's ethnicity 4.
Menstrual Cycle and PTSD Symptoms
The menstrual cycle can influence the severity of PTSD symptoms in women. Research shows that psychological symptoms, including depression and phobic anxiety, are more severe during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle compared to the midluteal phase 5. Women with PTSD report more severe phobic anxiety during the early follicular phase, highlighting the impact of menstrual cycle phases on PTSD symptoms 5.
Physical Health and Weight Gain
PTSD in women is also associated with physical health issues, including weight gain and obesity. Women with PTSD symptoms are more likely to gain weight and become obese compared to those without PTSD symptoms 6. This association remains significant even after adjusting for depression, indicating that PTSD itself is a risk factor for obesity 6. Additionally, PTSD severity is linked to poor physical health perceptions, with reexperiencing symptoms being particularly predictive of self-reported physical health issues 9.
Cardiovascular Risks
PTSD symptoms in women can also increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Women with high levels of PTSD symptoms have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke 8. This increased risk is partly due to the negative impact of PTSD on health behaviors and medical risk factors 8.
Complementary Treatments
Complementary treatments like yoga have shown promise in alleviating PTSD symptoms in women. A pilot study found that yoga interventions can reduce reexperiencing and hyperarousal symptoms in women with PTSD 2. Although the effect sizes were small to moderate, participants responded positively to the intervention, suggesting that yoga could be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for PTSD 2.
Conclusion
PTSD in women manifests through a range of symptoms, including cognitive impairments, emotional distress, intrusion and avoidance behaviors, and physical health issues. The menstrual cycle can exacerbate certain psychological symptoms, and PTSD significantly increases the risk of weight gain and cardiovascular diseases. Complementary treatments like yoga offer potential benefits, but more research is needed to fully understand and address the complex symptoms of PTSD in women.
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