What does mean ptsd

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt.

They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult.

These symptoms are often severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on the person’s day-to-day life.

Causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Any situation that a person finds traumatic can cause PTSD.

These can include:

PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event, or it can occur weeks, months or even years later.

PTSD is estimated to affect about 1 in every 3 people who have a traumatic experience, but it’s not clear exactly why some people develop the condition and others do not.

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

People who repeatedly experience traumatic situations, such as severe neglect, abuse or violence, may be diagnosed with complex PTSD.

Complex PTSD can cause similar symptoms to PTSD and may not develop until years after the event.

It’s often more severe if the trauma was experienced early in life, as this can affect a child’s development.

When to get medical advice

It’s normal to experience upsetting and confusing thoughts after a traumatic event, but most people improve naturally over a few weeks.

You should see a GP if you or your child are still having problems about 4 weeks after the traumatic experience, or if the symptoms are particularly troublesome.

If necessary, your GP can refer you to mental health specialists for further assessment and treatment.

How post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is treated

PTSD can be successfully treated, even when it develops many years after a traumatic event.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how soon they occur after the traumatic event.

Any of the following treatment options may be recommended:

You can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service.

Social care and support guide

You can get support if:

More in Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Page last reviewed: 13 May 2022
Next review due: 13 May 2025

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Also known as PTSD

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition in which people experience a variety of symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event. These may include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, avoidance, and changes in mood and thinking.

An estimated 6.8% of U.S. adults experience PTSD.   Symptoms may include re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoiding reminders of the trauma, startling easily, and having negative thoughts and beliefs.

Causes of PTSD include abuse, violence, natural disasters, accidents, terrorism, illness, or the sudden death of a loved one. There are effective treatments that can help such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

Coping With PTSD

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a number of factors that can play a role in how people respond to traumatic events. Genetics, for example, can influence how people handle stress during and after a trauma. People may be more likely to develop PTSD if they also have an existing mental health condition, have experienced trauma in the past, face other life stressors, and lack social support.

There are a number of treatments that can help reduce or eliminate PTSD symptoms. Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to reduce symptoms of PTSD and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety if present. There are also psychotherapy techniques that can help including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

One way you can help a loved one with PTSD is to learn about the symptoms and the challenges of living with the condition. Encourage your loved one to seek help from a trained professional. Unaddressed symptoms of PTSD can become more severe over time, so it is important to try and help them find resources to begin the healing process. 

If you are unable to work in the field for which you are trained due to your PTSD symptoms, you may qualify for disability benefits. If your condition is due to military service, you may qualify for veteran’s benefits. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also requires reasonable accommodations for people who have PTSD and have a record of impairment due to their condition. 

Key Terms

A trigger is something that can remind someone of a traumatic experience. PTSD triggers can be internal (feelings or emotions) and external (situations, people, places, or objects). When such triggers are present, people may be reminded of the event or even feel as if they are re-experiencing the trauma all over again.

A psychiatric disorder is a mental illness that significantly affects thinking, behavior, and emotions. These disorders can have a serious impact on your ability to function in your daily life and include conditions such as PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia. While such conditions can lead to impairment, there are treatments that can help people manage their symptoms and improve functioning.

Intrusive memories involve emotionally-linked images or impressions that come to mind involuntarily. For those with PTSD, such memories center on a traumatic event and can be extremely disruptive and distressing.   Treatments often focus on helping people more effectively process and restructure these intrusive traumatic memories.

Hyperarousal is a set of symptoms of PTSD that happens when people go into a high state of alert after their trauma. Even when there is no real danger present, people may respond as if they are facing a very real threat. They may startle easily and experience symptoms of irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, panic attacks, and hypervigilance.

A psychological evaluation is a way to assess a person’s mental health. A doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist may use a range of tools such as interviews, questionnaires, observations, and psychological tests to look for signs and symptoms of a mental illness. This can help a doctor determine a diagnosis and an approach to treatment based on the individual’s needs.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, involves a range of different techniques that are used in the treatment of mental illness and psychological distress. During psychotherapy, a qualified mental health professional helps an individual work to address specific symptoms, change underlying negative thoughts, acquire new insights, process past experiences, and develop new coping skills.

Trauma that is repeated and ongoing, such as child abuse or domestic violence, can lead to a condition known as complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). In addition to other symptoms of PTSD, people with complex PTSD also have difficulty with emotions, hold negative self perceptions, struggle with relationships, and may feel detached from the trauma.

What is PTSD?

PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder and can cause upsetting and unwanted physical and emotional reactions in people who have experienced a frightening or unexpected event. Combat veterans and first responders are at high risk for developing PTSD; although, people from all walks of life could develop a post-traumatic response which could interfere with daily functioning

Humans generally experience events in three stages.

Sometimes we experience something so horrific or stressful that our brains can’t make sense of what has happened to us. Because we are unable to move through the second stage of processing, our brain can return us to the exact same emotional and physical state as when the traumatic event occurred, especially when triggered. Factors that make developing PTSD more likely inherited mental health risks, personality factors, and biological factors.

The symptoms of PTSD vary drastically from person to person. They can emerge soon after the traumatic event or years later. PTSD sufferers may try to hide their symptoms from close friends and family. They may not even share that they’ve suffered a traumatic event.

This guide will help PTSD patients and their families understand the disorder and what can be done to manage it.

What causes PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition or diagnosis resulting from a physically or emotionally damaging event or life situation. The triggering life situation need not be a specific event, or something that happens to the patient. The sudden death of a loved one could be a triggering event. So could a long period of emotional abuse.

The event or situation does not “cause” PTSD. Two people who experience the same traumatic event both will not necessarily both develop PTSD.

What are some risk factors of PTSD?

Is PTSD a disability?

Yes, PTSD is considered a disabling condition by the Social Security Administration and by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Those living with PTSD who qualify, and have documented evidence of their condition, may be eligible for payment of disability benefits.

Getting disability benefits can be a long process, even if a patient meets all the criteria. Eligible patients are sometimes even rejected the first time they apply — though, if they keep trying, they may be able to get their benefits.

To receive Social Security Benefits, someone living with PTSD must meet these qualifications:

Medical documentation of all of the following

AND EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING
1) Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning

2) The disorder is persistent—you have a medically documented history going back at least two years that includes both treatment, therapy, or support.

You must also meet the marginal adjustment criteria—that is, have limited ability to deal with changes to your daily life (such as those that holding a job would require).

To receive VA benefits, someone living with PTSD must be a veteran of the armed forces and meet certain qualifications.

Traumatic events do not necessarily need to be combat related. Any veteran who suffered a serious injury, personal or sexual trauma or sexual violation, or was threatened with injury, sexual assault, or death, during their service, may be eligible.

The VA also runs the National Center for PTSD (founded in 1989) which funds millions of dollars annually in PTSD and traumatic stress research.

What are the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD?

There are 20 criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). The previous edition of this widely used diagnostic manual, the DSM-IV, listed 17 criteria.

A patient does not need to experience all of these symptoms in order to meet the criteria for PTSD.

What does a post-traumatic episode feel like?

Some people who suffer from PTSD experience panic attacks. These can include flashbacks to the traumatic event, or severe physical reactions.

How long does PTSD last?

PTSD was once considered a chronic disease and the treatment focused on treating the symptoms. But newer therapies, especially a category known as trauma-focused psychotherapies, help patients process the trauma they experienced and treat the root cause of the disorder.

The National Center for PTSD has been studying massed treatment, where 12 sessions of PTSD therapy that would normally take place over six weeks is compressed into five days.

Studies have shown that holding intensive sessions every day can be as effective as the typical format of one day a week, and may actually be more effective for some people.

“With massed treatment, a person commits to the five days, clears his or her schedule, and sees that the light at the end of the tunnel is within reach,” says Tara Galovski, Ph.D., director of the National Center for PTSD’s Women’s Health Sciences Division. “From a clinical perspective, it is truly remarkable to watch recovery take place in just one week.”

While results like these are very encouraging, there is no way to predict how fast someone will recover from PTSD. The most important thing is to seek treatment, and stick with it.

Who’s most likely to suffer from PTSD?

Anyone who is likely to experience traumatic events is more likely to develop PTSD.

The disorder itself was first identified as a result of diagnoses of Vietnam War combat veterans. In combat, it’s possible to experience many of the risk factors listed above (dangerous events, getting hurt, seeing another person getting hurt, extreme fear) all in a single day or even within a few minutes.

As PTSD research became more prevalent, medical professionals began to understand that noncombat traumatic events could also trigger the disorder.

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than men and no one can say exactly why. It may have to do with the nature of the trauma that women experience. For example, women are far more likely to experience sexual assault than men.

Can children suffer from PTSD?

The latest edition of the DSM, which medical professionals use to diagnose PTSD, makes a distinction between people over and under the age of 6.

The DSM-V includes two sets of diagnostic criteria for PTSD: One for those 6 years of age and older, and the other for those under 6 years of age.

For children younger than age 6, the primary events that lead to PTSD are actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violation. Something they experienced, something they saw happen, or something that learned about having happened to a parent or other primary caregiver.

The diagnostic criteria for PTSD in children is slightly different than for adults.

How does PTSD treatment work?

The two main treatment options for PTSD are psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy for PTSD

Psychotherapy for PTSD involves meeting with a counselor who will recommend a treatment plan for you. There are several different therapeutic strategies for PTSD, but they share a common goal: Helping the patient successfully process the traumatic memory.

Many people experience traumatic events in their lifetime, but not all develop PTSD. It’s thought that these people are able to process and move past the traumatic experience without experiencing long-term PTSD symptoms. Psychotherapy can support the natural process of dealing with trauma.

These are two of the most common treatment options for PTSD.

Cognitive therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy

This form of therapy is very common and used to treat a range of mental and emotional problems. Fundamentally, CBT is about changing behavior. A patient and their therapist will discuss the traumatic event and the feelings that go with it, among other things. Then they will work on strategies to help the patient become handle the negative feelings and thoughts. Practicing relaxation, coping, resilience, stress management, and assertiveness, the patient develops a toolkit that promotes a better life.

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy helps a patient safely re-experience their stressor events, or events that trigger traumatic memories. The goal is to learn how to cope with these memories effectively. Exposure therapy is often used in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy for patients who experience flashbacks or nightmares.

Since the early 2000s, virtual reality simulation technology has been used in exposure therapy. Some researchers call it transformative technology in the treatment of PTSD. “Clinicians can now create simulated environments that mimic the outside world and use them … to immerse patients in simulations that support the aims and mechanics of a specific assessment or therapeutic approach.”

Medication for PTSD

A class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), aka antidepressants, are the most common drugs used to treat PTSD patients. Some of the well-known brands include Zoloft and Paxil, both of which have been shown in clinical trials to improve outcomes for PTSD patients.

A drug called prazosin, which was designed to treat high blood pressure, has been shown in some studies to lessen nightmares and flashbacks in PTSD patients. However, the results of a large clinical trial released in 2018 showed prazosin was no more effective than a placebo.

PTSD is rarely treated with medication alone because medication only addresses the symptoms of PTSD, and not the root cause. Medical experts believe that successful psychotherapy is the best path to long-term recovery for PTSD patients.

How to help someone with PTSD? You’re doing it now.

Just by reading this guide, you’ve made an important positive step toward helping someone with PTSD. Learn as much as you can about the disorder to help you understand what they are going through, and be an informed resource as they make treatment decisions.

The National Center for PTSD suggests these other important ways to support a friend or family member living with PTSD.

What should you not do with PTSD?

Here are some behaviors to avoid when helping support someone with PTSD.

Get help with PTSD right now

If you start to feel overwhelmed, call the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). They get nearly 1 million calls per year from people seeking treatment for mental health or substance abuse issues, and can refer you to a local provider who can help. Another option for military families is the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1). There is also a chat and text option.

Both of these services are available 24/7, and are completely confidential.

PTSD Meaning: Life With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Table of Contents

Have you ever felt stressed before an exam? Yes? Okay. Now have you felt stressed before introducing yourself to a 7-year-old? No? Better. Because I have and trust me, both types of stresses are like two ends of a pole. I say this with confidence because I have suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Today, on PTSD Awareness Day, we will look at how life is with this illness. We will also comprehend PTSD meaning, PTSD causes, treatments and more.

Stress is something that everyone deals with on a regular basis. It is more like an invisible companion to each of us now. The only difference is that some people are better at stress management than others.

The above questions do not reflect this difference. They do not highlight the lack of stress management. Instead, the difference in these questions relates to a deeper concept called PTSD.

A year ago, I stepped into a therapist’s office for the first time. I clearly remember seeing the “couch” which the film industries use as a symbol for featuring mental illnesses. For nearly six months, I had been suffering from symptoms that I did not recognize. They absolutely affected my capabilities and everyday activities.

But it was clearly all inside my head, which is why I never asked for medical support. I considered it a phase of life that anybody in their early 20s would go through. But to my surprise, everything turned upside down.

What Is PTSD Meaning?

PTSD meaning can be complex. It is because people mostly regard depression as a whole for various mental illnesses. In this article, I wish to shatter this stigma by elaborating what is PTSD?

PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This is a type of mental illness. It is reflected by a certain set of symptoms.

PTSD meaning can be explained as a set of reactions that grow in a person who has faced traumatic events in his/her life. The traumatic events vary but include something that threatens the person’s life or safety.

Now I hope you have an idea about what is PTSD. But there is much more to the illness. Since the variation of traumatic events is subjective in these cases, people tend to get confused.

Allow me to clear some basic confusion: PTSD, as the name says, is a disorder that revolves around trauma and stress. Only a medical expert will be able to diagnose the illness based on various criteria.

A word from the writer: Please do not self-diagnose yourself with mental illnesses. Mental strength and Chronic Mental strength are two different things. When people label their sadness as depression, it undermines the whole battle of the ones who actually deal with these disorders regularly.

Let Us Study What Are The Common PTSD Causes?

According to my medical experts, my PTSD began more than two years ago. But I noticed it when my mental stress started to have physical manifestations.

For months, I complained of constant pain and heaviness in my legs. You may think what is the link between mental illness and legs? If you are nodding along in agreement to this question, read on to understand PTSD causes and symptoms.

PTSD causes are basically the traumatic events that occur in a person’s life. Some of the common PTSD causes are:

PTSD can be caused by witnessing or experiencing any terrifying event that makes a person feel scared, hopeless, shocked or horrified.

Are There Common PTSD Symptoms?

Symptoms show up within the first 3 months of the trauma. Some common PTSD symptoms are:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition. There are several signs and symptoms to help in identifying this disorder and establishing its intensity.

For instance, I felt the persistent pain in my legs because of a chemical imbalance. My healthcare provider explained to me that certain hormones and salts in my brain are deficient in quantity. So my brain tried to consume most of the oxygen from other parts of my body, especially my legs. This process left my legs numb and aching.

Similarly, most symptoms have scientific and medical reasoning behind them. It can be difficult to comprehend such matters while suffering from a disorder. But education and awareness work as coping mechanisms. So if you have the above-mentioned symptoms, discuss the details with your doctor.

Is There Any Treatment For PTSD?

Thankfully, yes. There are treatment options available for PTSD.

Mental illnesses are, sadly, not taken very seriously. If you discuss your symptoms with a friend, there are chances that your friend would take the role of a healer, a tutor. Sometimes, even you would not accept the condition and try to change your lifestyles or habits to feel better.

For example, when I first felt these symptoms I wondered and reflected on my way of living (unaware of my disorder). I constantly felt hopeless and sad.

I pondered that I might be doing something wrong and that I need to change myself to regain my confidence or to feel happy. I tried everything I could think of. I took recommendations from social media and close friends.

I watched motivational talks, did yoga, did meditation, started going to the gym, joined a badminton academy, read self-help books, met old friends, made new friends, watched movies, went out more, organized my life, took a healthier diet and what not. And despite all these efforts and more, the symptoms remained. It is because mental illness is an actual illness.

Take this- if you are diagnosed with a high fever, nobody would ask you to go running. You would be recommended rest and medical help.

Mental illness is like a lengthy fever. It has different symptoms. But it still remains a medical condition.

Do not suggest people who are suffering from mental illnesses that they ‘just’ need to let things go or ‘just’ start a new hobby. It can be exhausting and make their condition worse.

PTSD Treatment

The treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder consists of psychotherapy, medication or both.

CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment method. This treatment uses therapy to make the patient look at those traumatic events in a different light. The purpose of the therapy is to alter the perspective of the trauma which affects the person to severe extents.

Medications: Doctors prescribe certain drugs to ease the symptoms of PTSD in some cases. It is done because under therapy a person is made to remember and confront the traumatic events. This entire process can be very overwhelming for patients and temporarily increase the severity of symptoms. Medications are helpful to cope with such situations for long term benefits.

A word from the writer: Writing journals and maintaining a mood log has been of great benefit to me. A healthy habit of writing down the things you are grateful for works as a coping mechanism and reminder.

Helping Someone With PTSD

Knowing that your loved one is suffering from PTSD can be difficult. But like all other mental or physical disorders, PTSD patients need support and care. From my experience, I understand it can be challenging to provide constant support to someone with PTSD. Here are some tips to consider while helping someone with this disorder:

1. Social support– People with one mental illness are prone to develop another if the right treatment is not provided. Like a buy one get one free offer, if you have PTSD, you would most likely have social anxiety. So social support is sought by patients.

2. Education and Awareness- Educating yourself and others around you would help all PTSD patients. It is a tricky disease. And apart from compassion or sympathy, you must be aware of what is happening and why is it happening. Education on PTSD meaning, PTSD causes, and treatment options will allow you to help friends and family effectively.

3. Be a good listener- PTSD can be misunderstood. It can be complicated but PTSD patients suffer from more than what you see. You can give aid by listening to how a person feels, what is it they are seeking and what is bothering them.

4. Rebuild trust and safety- A person suffering from PTSD feels as if he/she is under constant threat. They are not at ease most of the time. It is important to let them know that they are safe and sound when you are with them.

You must understand that trauma has affected them to this level that fear has made a home inside. They need to be told, over and over, that they are safe with you.

5. Take care of yourself- You would only able to give care when you do it for yourself. Giving support to PTSD patients is a challenging task. So, it is needed that you take care of yourself and your own health while supporting your friend or family.

What Is My Learning?

PTSD can scare you, hurt you, bring you down but remember that you can always bounce back. The key is getting effective treatment and not losing hope. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder should be treated like a real illness.

We hope you, now, understand PTSD meaning. There may be certain questions from your side about PTSD causes and symptoms. You can bring your queries to us at Credihealth.

For more information and FREE personalized guidance, talk to Credihealth Medical Experts.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Overview

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 not in danger.

Signs and Symptoms

While most but not all traumatized people experience short term symptoms, the majority do not develop ongoing (chronic) PTSD. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Some experiences, like the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one, can also cause PTSD. Symptoms usually begin early, within 3 months of the traumatic incident, but sometimes they begin years afterward. Symptoms must last more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with relationships or work to be considered PTSD. The course of the illness varies. Some people recover within 6 months, while others have symptoms that last much longer. In some people, the condition becomes chronic.

A doctor who has experience helping people with mental illnesses, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can diagnose PTSD.

To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:

Re-experiencing symptoms include:

Re-experiencing symptoms may cause problems in a person’s everyday routine. The symptoms can start from the person’s own thoughts and feelings. Words, objects, or situations that are reminders of the event can also trigger re-experiencing symptoms.

Avoidance symptoms include:

Things that remind a person of the traumatic event can trigger avoidance symptoms. These symptoms may cause a person to change his or her personal routine. For example, after a bad car accident, a person who usually drives may avoid driving or riding in a car.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms include:

Arousal symptoms are usually constant, instead of being triggered by things that remind one of the traumatic events. These symptoms can make the person feel stressed and angry. They may make it hard to do daily tasks, such as sleeping, eating, or concentrating.

Cognition and mood symptoms include:

Cognition and mood symptoms can begin or worsen after the traumatic event, but are not due to injury or substance use. These symptoms can make the person feel alienated or detached from friends or family members.

It is natural to have some of these symptoms for a few weeks after a dangerous event. When the symptoms last more than a month, seriously affect one’s ability to function, and are not due to substance use, medical illness, or anything except the event itself, they might be PTSD. Some people with PTSD don’t show any symptoms for weeks or months. PTSD is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or one or more of the other anxiety disorders.

Do children react differently than adults?

Children and teens can have extreme reactions to trauma, but some of their symptoms may not be the same as adults. Symptoms sometimes seen in very young children (less than 6 years old), these symptoms can include:

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. Older children and teens may feel guilty for not preventing injury or deaths. They may also have thoughts of revenge.

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes war veterans, children, and people who have been through a physical or sexual assault, abuse, accident, disaster, or other serious events. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and genes may make some people more likely to develop PTSD than others.

Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Some people develop PTSD after a friend or family member experiences danger or harm. The sudden, unexpected death of a loved one can also lead to PTSD.

Why do some people develop PTSD and other people do not?

It is important to remember that not everyone who lives through a dangerous event develops PTSD. In fact, most people will not develop the disorder.

Many factors play a part in whether a person will develop PTSD. Some examples are listed below. Risk factors make a person more likely to develop PTSD. Other factors, called resilience factors, can help reduce the risk of the disorder.

Some factors that increase risk for PTSD include:

Some factors that may promote recovery after trauma include:

Researchers are studying the importance of these and other risk and resilience factors, including genetics and neurobiology. With more research, someday it may be possible to predict who is likely to develop PTSD and to prevent it.

Treatments and Therapies

The main treatments for people with PTSD are medications, psychotherapy (“talk” therapy), or both. Everyone is different, and PTSD affects people differently, so 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 provider who is experienced with PTSD. Some people with PTSD may need to try different treatments to find what works for their symptoms.

If someone with PTSD is going through an ongoing trauma, such as being in an abusive relationship, both of the problems need to be addressed. Other ongoing problems can include panic disorder, depression, substance abuse, and feeling suicidal.

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 treating specific PTSD symptoms, such as sleep problems and nightmares.

Doctors and patients can work together to find the best medication or medication combination, as well as the right dose. Check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website for the latest information on patient medication guides, warnings, or newly approved medications.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) involves talking with a mental health professional to treat a mental illness. Psychotherapy can occur one-on-one or in a group. Talk therapy treatment for PTSD usually lasts 6 to 12 weeks, but it can last longer. Research shows that support from family and friends can be an important part of recovery.

Many types of psychotherapy can help people with PTSD. Some types target the symptoms of PTSD directly. Other therapies focus on social, family, or job-related problems. The doctor or therapist may combine different therapies depending on each person’s needs.

Effective psychotherapies tend to emphasize a few key components, including education about symptoms, teaching skills to help identify the triggers of symptoms, and skills to manage the symptoms. One helpful form of therapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. CBT can include:

There are other types of treatment that can help as well. People with PTSD should talk about all treatment options with a therapist. Treatment should equip individuals with the skills to manage their symptoms and help them participate in activities that they enjoyed before developing PTSD.

How Talk Therapies Help People Overcome PTSD
Talk therapies teach people helpful ways to react to the frightening events that trigger their PTSD symptoms. Based on this general goal, different types of therapy may:

Beyond Treatment: How can I help myself?

It may be very hard to take that first step to help yourself. It is important to realize that although it may take some time, with treatment, you can get better. If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor. You can also check NIMH’s Help for Mental Illnesses page or search online for “mental health providers,” “social services,” “hotlines,” or “physicians” for phone numbers and addresses. An emergency room doctor can also provide temporary help and can tell you where and how to get further help.

To help yourself while in treatment:

Caring for yourself and others is especially important when large numbers of people are exposed to traumatic events (such as natural disasters, accidents, and violent acts).

Next Steps for PTSD Research

In the last decade, progress in research on the mental and biological foundations of PTSD has lead scientists to focus on better understanding the underlying causes of why people experience a range of reactions to trauma.

Join a Study

Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.

Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct many studies with patients and healthy volunteers. We have new and better treatment options today because of what clinical trials uncovered years ago. Be part of tomorrow’s medical breakthroughs. Talk to your health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you.

To learn more or find a study, visit:

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This brochure provides information about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) including what it is, who develops PTSD, symptoms, treatment options, and how to find help for yourself or someone else who may have PTSD.