Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can develop when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying or dangerous event. People may experience a range of reactions after trauma, and most people recover from initial symptoms over time. Those who continue to experience post-traumatic symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD

To be at risk for PTSD, the trauma must be a shocking and dangerous event that you see or that happens to you. During this event, you think that your or others' lives are in danger.

There are four types of PTSD symptoms, but they may not be the same for everyone. Each person experiences symptoms in their own way. The types are:

  • Re-experiencing symptoms. When something reminds you of the trauma, you may feel the same fear again. For example, you may experience flashbacks, nightmares or frightening thoughts.

  • Avoidance symptoms. You might try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. This may cause you to stay away from places, events or objects that are reminders of the experience. For example, if you were in a car accident, you might stop driving. It may also cause you to avoid thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event. Similarly, you might try to stay very busy to avoid thinking about what happened.

  • Reactivity symptoms. Frequently feeling jittery or on the lookout for danger is a common symptom of PTSD. This includes being easily startled, tense or "on edge," having difficulty sleeping or having angry outbursts.

  • Cognition and mood symptoms. These are adverse changes in beliefs and feelings. You may have trouble remembering important things about the traumatic event, have negative thoughts about yourself or the world, feel blame and guilt, no longer have interest in things you enjoyed or have difficulty concentrating.

While these symptoms usually begin to occur directly after the traumatic event, you may not experience them for weeks, months or years afterward. No matter how much time has passed, it's important to seek support if you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms above.

Treatment for PTSD

While there isn't a cure for PTSD, there are treatments available to help you cope with symptoms, including:

  • Talk therapy or psychotherapy. When you speak with a professional therapist, you can learn how to identify and manage triggers. Understanding how your mind works can help you cope with uncomfortable feelings and learn healthy ways of moving forward.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). One of the most effective treatment methods for PTSD is EMDR. The goal of the treatment method is to help you process traumatic events through eye movement and by confronting upsetting memories, thoughts and feelings related to the trauma. By processing these experiences, you can find relief from symptoms.

  • Medicines. Certain medications can help with the symptoms of PTSD. Antidepressants may help control symptoms such as sadness, worry, anger and feeling numb inside. Other medicines can help with sleep problems and nightmares. Talk to your medical care provider for more medication information.

Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institute of Health and MedlinePlus.