Post-traumatic stress disorder

Definition

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder. It can occur after you have gone through an extreme emotional trauma that involved the threat of injury or death.

Alternative Names

PTSD

Causes

Health care providers do not know why traumatic events cause PTSD in some people, but not in others. Your genes, emotions, and family setting may all play roles. Past emotional trauma may increase your risk of PTSD after a recent traumatic event.

With PTSD, the body's response to a stressful event is changed. Normally, after the event, the body recovers. The stress hormones and chemicals the body releases due to the stress go back to normal levels. For some reason in a person with PTSD, the body keeps releasing the stress hormones and chemicals.

PTSD can occur at any age. It can occur after events such as:

  • Assault
  • Car accidents
  • Domestic abuse
  • Natural disasters
  • Prison stay
  • Sexual assault
  • Terrorism
  • War

Symptoms

There are 4 types of PTSD symptoms:

1. Reliving the event, which disturbs day-to-day activity

  • Flashback episodes in which the event seems to be happening again and again
  • Repeated upsetting memories of the event
  • Repeated nightmares of the event
  • Strong, uncomfortable reactions to situations that remind you of the event

2. Avoidance

  • Emotional numbing or feeling as though you do not care about anything
  • Feeling detached
  • Not able to remember important parts of the event
  • Not interested in normal activities
  • Showing less of your moods
  • Avoiding places, people, or thoughts that remind you of the event
  • Feeling like you have no future

3. Hyperarousal

  • Always scanning your surroundings for signs of danger (hypervigilance)
  • Not able to concentrate
  • Startling easily
  • Feeling irritable or having outbursts of anger
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep

4. Negative thoughts and mood or feelings

  • Constant guilt about the event, including survivor guilt
  • Blaming others for the event
  • Not being able to recall important parts of the event
  • Loss of interest in activities or other people

You may also have symptoms of anxiety, stress, and tension:

Exams and Tests

Your provider may ask how long you have had symptoms. PTSD is diagnosed when you have had symptoms for at least 30 days.

Your provider may also do a mental health exam, physical exam, and blood tests. These are done to look for other illnesses that are similar to PTSD.

Treatment

Treatment for PTSD involves talk therapy (counseling), medicines, or both.

TALK THERAPY

During talk therapy, you talk with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or therapist, in a calm and accepting setting. They can help you manage your PTSD symptoms. They will also guide you as you work through your feelings about the trauma.

There are many types of talk therapy. One type that is often used for PTSD is called desensitization. During therapy, you are encouraged to remember the traumatic event and express your feelings about it. Over time, memories of the event become less frightening.

During talk therapy, you may also learn ways to relax, such as when you start to have flashbacks.

MEDICINES

Your provider may suggest that you take medicines. They can help ease your depression or anxiety. They can also help you sleep better. Medicines need time to work. Do not stop taking them or change the amount (dosage) you take without talking to your provider. Ask your provider about possible side effects and what to do if you experience them.

Support Groups

Support groups, whose members are people who have similar experiences with PTSD, can be helpful. Ask your provider about groups in your area.

Support groups are usually not a good substitute for talk therapy or taking medicine, but they can be a helpful addition.

If you are a caregiver of a military veteran, you can find support and encouragement through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at www.ptsd.va.gov.

Outlook (Prognosis)

PTSD can be treated. You can increase the chance of a good outcome:

  • See a provider right away if you think you have PTSD.
  • Take an active part in your treatment and follow your provider's instructions.
  • Accept support from others.
  • Take care of your health. Exercise and eat healthy foods.
  • Do not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs. These can make your PTSD worse.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Although traumatic events can cause distress, not all feelings of distress are symptoms of PTSD. Talk about your feelings with friends and relatives. If your symptoms do not improve soon or are making you very upset, contact your provider.

Seek help right away if:

  • You feel overwhelmed
  • You are thinking of hurting yourself or anyone else
  • You are unable to control your behavior
  • You have other very upsetting symptoms of PTSD

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.

If you are a veteran in crisis, or a loved one of a veteran in crisis, you can call 988 then press 1 or text 838255. You can also open a chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Free, confidential support is available 24/7. The Veterans Crisis Line can help even if you're not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.

You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.

If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.

If you are a veteran in crisis, or a loved one of a veteran in crisis, you can call 988 then press 1 or text 838255. You can also open a chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Free, confidential support is available 24/7. The Veterans Crisis Line can help even if you're not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.

References

American Psychiatric Association website. Trauma and stressor-related disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.

Baker AW, Dekel S, Jagodnik KM, Pace-Schott EF, Post LM, Orr SP. Anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. In: Stern TA, Wilens TE, Fava M, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 31.

Lyness JM, Lee HB. Psychiatric disorders in medical practice. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 362.

National Institute of Mental Health website. Anxiety disorders. www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders. Updated April 2024. Accessed May 22, 2024.

Related Links

Review Date: 5/4/2024
Reviewed By: Fred K. Berger, MD, addiction and forensic psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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