PTSD and Abuse: Causes, Symptoms, and Social Impact

Introduction to PTSD and Abuse

It is commonly observed that a strong relationship exists between abusive behavior, PTSD, and the experience of traumatic incidents. Intimate partner abuse occurs more frequently than most people expect. According to national estimates in the United States, within any given year, approximately eight to twenty percent of individuals in serious relationships engage in some form of violent or abusive behavior directed at their partner. Relationship violence is especially prevalent among individuals who have previously experienced a traumatic event.

Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder repeatedly experience flashbacks, nightmares, disturbing memories, or frightening thoughts. These symptoms are most likely to occur when individuals encounter objects or events associated with their trauma; even anniversaries of traumatic experiences can trigger a response. PTSD patients may also experience sleep disturbances, emotional numbness, anxiety, depression, outbursts of anger and irritability, and intense feelings of guilt. Most individuals with PTSD tend to avoid any reminders connected to the traumatic memory. It is important to note that PTSD is formally diagnosed only when these symptoms persist for more than one month.

Symptoms and Prevalence of PTSD

PTSD is becoming increasingly common among the general public. Approximately three and a half percent of the U.S. adult population between the ages of eighteen and fifty-five — roughly five million individuals — have post-traumatic stress disorder. About one third of individuals who experience combat, whether men or women, are known to have been diagnosed with PTSD. It is also frequently diagnosed in war veterans who have long since left active duty.

"Differing from post-traumatic stress disorder, a strong bond has been linked between the overall experiences of relationship abuse and traumatic events" (Rosenthal, 2003). In particular, numerous studies have found that women and men who experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, or emotional neglect during childhood are far more likely to engage in abusive behavior within their intimate relationships compared to those with no history of childhood trauma.

The Relationship Between PTSD and Abusive Behavior

In addition, individuals with post-traumatic stress are also more likely to become aggressive and to shift toward intimate partner abuse than those not diagnosed with PTSD. The trigger for this shift can be something minor or can stem from an established pattern of abusive behavior. "It is important to mention that a connection between abuse and PTSD has been established for both women and men having PTSD" (Vasterling, 2005).

"There have been many studies in this field whose aim is to better understand why individuals who have PTSD or any history of trauma are led toward aggressive and violent behaviors so easily" (Hudgins, 2002). In a study involving United States war veterans, depression was found to play a vital role in overall aggressive behavior among those diagnosed with PTSD. "Individuals with both PTSD and depression might experience more mood shifts toward anger, and this is the reason why they also might have much greater difficulty in controlling their abusive behavior toward others, even those whom they love the most" (Douglas, 2006).

Some studies have also suggested that aggressive and violent behavior — especially in men — may serve as a means of managing unpleasant feelings that arise on a regular basis. Aggression is seen as a common outlet for tension associated with negative emotions rooted in previous traumatic events, such as guilt, anxiety, or shame.

Although those suffering from PTSD may believe that hostile and aggressive behavior temporarily reduces their tension, this approach is ineffective in the long run — both in terms of maintaining healthy relationships and in managing persistent unpleasant emotions. Despite these findings, it is critically important to emphasize that experiencing past trauma or having a PTSD diagnosis does not mean an individual will necessarily exhibit any form of violent behavior, whether physical or verbal.

There is considerable theoretical evidence pointing to various contributors to aggressive behavior, and it is a consensus within the scientific community that much more research is still needed to accurately identify the risk factors driving specific aggressive behaviors in individuals with PTSD or histories of trauma. Many such studies involve voluntary patient participation in behavioral research programs, while others involve testing stress-relieving medications; all share the goal of identifying the root of the problem.

It is also worth noting that the primary problem is often thought to originate in an individual's memory. Some theories propose that if the core memory of a past trauma could be suppressed or removed, it would be easier for patients to control their behavior. However, memory-suppression techniques are widely criticized by the broader scientific community and are considered an unreliable approach to treatment. Doctors therefore generally advise patients to confront the facts and work toward moving forward.