Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can sometimes develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
Many people experience some trauma-related symptoms in the days or weeks after a traumatic event. In many cases, these symptoms lessen over time. However, for some people, symptoms may worsen, last for months or years, and interfere with everyday life. Around 6% of the US population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.
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Causes of PTSD
To be diagnosed with PTSD, a person must have been exposed to a traumatic event and experienced trauma-related symptoms for longer than one month. They may have experienced the event directly, witnessed it, learned about it from someone else, or been repeatedly exposed to details of other people’s trauma. These events often involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
The most common types of traumatic events that may lead to PTSD include:
- Physical assault
- Sexual violence
- Exposure to combat
- Childhood physical abuse
- Being threatened with a weapon
- Being in an accident
Other traumatic events can also contribute to PTSD, such as:
- Being kidnapped
- Experiencing a robbery or mugging
- Surviving a natural disaster
- Being diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition
- Experiencing or witnessing a terrorist attack
Risk Factors
Doctors and mental health professionals do not always know exactly why one person develops PTSD while another does not. However, several factors may increase the risk of developing PTSD symptoms, including:
- The severity, duration, and frequency of past trauma
- A personal or family history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions
- Working in a high-risk role, such as being a first responder or serving in the military
- Lacking a strong support system
- Differences in how the brain and body respond to stress
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can begin within a month of a traumatic event, but they may also appear months or years later. These symptoms can affect relationships, work, social situations, and daily tasks.
PTSD symptoms can also change over time. A person may notice that symptoms become more intense during stressful periods or when they encounter reminders of the traumatic event, also known as PTSD triggers. For example, hearing sirens, watching a news report, or visiting a certain place may bring back memories of the event and make the person feel as if they are in danger again.
PTSD symptoms can vary from person to person, but they generally fall into four categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.
- Repeated, unwanted, and distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Emotional distress or strong physical reactions when reminded of the event
- Disturbing dreams or nightmares related to the event
- Vivid flashbacks that make the person feel as if the event is happening again
- Trying to block out memories of the traumatic event
- Avoiding conversations about the event or related feelings
- Staying away from places, people, activities, objects, or situations that may trigger memories of the event
- Difficulty remembering important details about the traumatic event
- Irrational thoughts about the cause or consequences of the event
- Blaming themselves or others for what happened
- Negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves, others, or the world
- Overwhelming feelings of shame, guilt, sadness, or fear
- Feeling distrustful of or disconnected from friends and family
- Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Difficulty feeling positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached
- Feeling hopeless about the future
- Being easily startled or frightened by noises, movement, or touch
- Feeling tense, watchful, or constantly on guard for danger
- Feeling irritable, aggressive, or prone to angry outbursts
- Engaging in reckless or self-destructive behavior, such as drinking and driving or risky sexual activity
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Experiencing sleep problems
Conditions Related to PTSD
Other trauma-related conditions can share similarities with PTSD. Each condition has its own symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Here are a few examples:
Acute stress disorder can develop after a traumatic event, and its symptoms may be similar to those of PTSD. People may experience flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and avoidance of reminders of what happened. Acute stress disorder can appear within hours or days after a traumatic event and may last for up to one month. Because some people with acute stress disorder may later develop PTSD, early support and treatment can be important.
Adjustment disorder can be caused by a single stressful event, such as the end of a relationship, or by multiple stressors that build over time. It may also affect entire communities after events such as natural disasters. People with adjustment disorder may feel sad, hopeless, withdrawn, or overwhelmed. Some may act impulsively or experience physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, headaches, or tremors.
Disinhibited social engagement disorder is a rare condition that can develop in children who experience severe social neglect before the age of two. It may occur when a child is deprived of comfort, stimulation, affection, or stable caregiving. Children with this condition may show overly familiar or inappropriate behavior toward unfamiliar adults, such as walking away with a stranger without hesitation. Cognitive and language delays may also occur.
Reactive attachment disorder is another rare condition that can occur when a young child is deprived of basic emotional needs. It usually appears before the age of five. Children with reactive attachment disorder may not seek comfort or protection from caregivers and may not respond to comfort when distressed. Developmental delays are also common with this condition.
When to Seek Help for PTSD
You may be experiencing some PTSD warning signs. PTSD can happen to anyone, and it is not a sign of weakness.
If you are having prolonged, disturbing thoughts or feelings about a traumatic event, or if you feel like you cannot get your life back under control, consider speaking with a doctor, therapist, or counselor. A qualified professional can help you explore diagnosis, treatment options, and trauma-informed therapy.
It is often better to seek support early, since symptoms may worsen over time if left untreated.
If you're having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself or others, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to speak to a trained professional immediately. If you think you might attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number now.
Where to Find Help for PTSD
If you are trying to understand PTSD and how it may be affecting your life, Sofia Health can help you connect with qualified practitioners and mental health professionals.
Through Sofia Health, you can find specialists who support people dealing with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and related concerns. With the right support, it is possible to process past trauma, manage symptoms, and begin moving toward recovery.
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