Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can be triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts related to the traumatic event.
While most people experience temporary difficulty adjusting and coping after traumatic events, PTSD may develop if symptoms worsen, persist for months or even years, and interfere with daily functioning.
PTSD symptoms can appear within one month of the traumatic event, but they may also surface years later. The symptoms are grouped into four types:
For children 6 years old and younger, symptoms may include re-enacting the traumatic event through play or having frightening dreams related to the event.
PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity over time, often becoming worse when exposed to stress or reminders of the trauma.
If you experience disturbing thoughts and feelings related to a traumatic event for more than a month, if they are severe, or if they disrupt your daily life, seek help from a doctor or a mental health professional. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening.
PTSD can develop after experiencing, witnessing, or learning about an event involving death, serious injury, or sexual violation. The exact cause of PTSD is not known but is likely influenced by a combination of factors, including stressful experiences, inherited mental health risks, personality traits, and the way the brain regulates chemicals and hormones in response to stress.
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after a traumatic event, including experiencing intense or prolonged trauma, previous exposure to trauma (such as childhood abuse), certain occupations (e.g., military personnel, first responders), other mental health issues (anxiety, depression), substance misuse, lack of a support system, and a family history of mental health problems.
Various traumatic events, such as combat exposure, childhood physical abuse, sexual violence, physical assault, accidents, and more, can lead to the development of PTSD.
Untreated PTSD can significantly disrupt a person’s life, affecting relationships, work, health, and overall well-being. It may also increase the risk of other mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, issues with substance use, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
Not everyone exposed to trauma develops long-term PTSD. Seeking timely help and support after a traumatic event, turning to family, friends, or mental health professionals, and avoiding unhealthy coping methods can help prevent PTSD from developing.
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To diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), your doctor will likely:
PTSD diagnosis requires exposure to an event involving actual or possible death, violence, or serious injury, which can occur through direct experience, witnessing the event in person, learning that a close person experienced or was threatened by the event, or repeated exposure to graphic details of the event.
If symptoms persist for more than a month after exposure and significantly affect your social, work, and relationship functioning, a diagnosis of PTSD may be considered.
Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder can help you regain control over your life. The primary treatment is psychotherapy, which can be complemented by medication if needed.
The goals of treatment include:
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can be beneficial for both children and adults with PTSD. Some common types of psychotherapy used include cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can also be prescribed to alleviate specific symptoms of PTSD.
Remember, you don’t have to handle PTSD on your own. Seeking help and support is essential for recovery.
If stress and trauma-related problems affect your life, consider seeking help from a doctor or mental health professional. In addition to treatment, here are some coping strategies:
Supporting a loved one with PTSD can be challenging. Learn about PTSD, recognize avoidance and withdrawal as part of the disorder, offer to attend medical appointments, be willing to listen, encourage participation in positive activities, take care of yourself, and seek help if needed.
If you suspect you have PTSD, prepare for your doctor’s appointment by making a list of your symptoms, personal information, experiences related to intense fear or horror, problems caused by stress, medical history, medications, and questions you want to ask.
During the appointment, be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms, experiences, and any history of trauma or other mental health problems.
