Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are no longer in danger.

Who Develops PTSD?

Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes:

  • Combat veterans
  • People who have experienced or witnessed:
    • Physical or sexual assault
    • Abuse
    • An accident
    • A disaster
    • A terror attack
    • Other serious events

According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD in their lifetime. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic incident, but sometimes they begin years later. To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:

  • At least one re-experiencing symptom
  • At least one avoidance symptom
  • At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
  • At least two cognition and mood symptoms

1. Re-experiencing Symptoms

  • Flashbacks, reliving the trauma over and over, including physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating
  • Bad dreams
  • Frightening thoughts

2. Avoidance Symptoms

  • Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the experience
  • Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event

3. Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms

  • Being easily startled
  • Feeling tense or “on edge.”
  • Having difficulty sleeping
  • Having angry outbursts

4. Cognition and Mood Symptoms

  • Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
  • Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
  • Distorted feelings like guilt or blame
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable activities

How Do Children and Teens React?

Children and teens can have extreme reactions to trauma, but their symptoms may not be the same as those of adults. In children younger than 6 years old, symptoms can include:

  • Wetting the bed after having learned to use the toilet
  • Forgetting how to or being unable to talk
  • Acting out the scary event during playtime
  • Being unusually clingy with a parent or other adult

Older children and teens are more likely to show symptoms similar to those seen in adults. They may also develop disruptive, disrespectful, or destructive behaviors.

Treatment and Therapies

The main treatments for people with PTSD are medications, psychotherapy (“talk therapy”), or both. Everyone is different, and a treatment that works for one person may not work for another. It is important for anyone with PTSD to be treated by a mental health professional who is experienced with PTSD.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can occur one-on-one or in a group. Talk therapy for PTSD usually lasts 6 to 12 weeks, but it can take longer. Types of psychotherapy include:

  • Exposure therapy: This helps people face and control their fear by gradually exposing them to the trauma they experienced in a safe way.
  • Cognitive restructuring: This helps people make sense of the bad memories. Sometimes people remember the event differently than how it happened. They may feel guilt or shame about something that is not their fault.

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Medications

The most studied type of medication for treating PTSD are antidepressants, which may help control PTSD symptoms such as sadness, worry, anger, and feeling numb inside. Other medications may be helpful for lowering anxiety and physical agitation or treating sleep problems.

Finding Help

If you or someone you know has symptoms of PTSD, talk to a doctor or mental health professional.

Resources:

If you are in immediate distress or thinking about hurting yourself:

  • Call or text 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Text HOME to 741741: Crisis Text Line