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PTSD Symptoms

Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is a type of anxiety disorder that affects many people. Approximately 7 percent to 8 percent of the population will experience PTSD, and about 5 million cases are observed every year in the United States.

PTSD generally occurs when a person experiences something very traumatic themselves or witnesses something very traumatic happening to someone else.

Common events that can trigger PTSD include:

being in a car crash
being in a war or in active combat
being in an airplane crash
being involved in or living through a natural disaster
being physically or sexually assaulted
being tortured
giving birth (This type of PTSD is often classified differently and referred to as post-partum depression.)
witnessing the death of another person
witnessing someone else being physically or sexually assaulted.

While many people will cope with experiencing or witnessing traumatic events like these, others may not. Those who develop post-traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic event may develop PTSD within a few hours, a few months or even years later. On average, symptoms of PTSD will appear within three months of the traumatic event.

PTSD symptoms can vary from person to person depending on their emotional state, the particular traumatic even they experienced, their age, genetics and a number of other factors.

Common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include:

avoiding thinking about or talking about the traumatic event
being jumpy, easily frightened or easily startled
difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
difficulty with concentration
difficulty with memory
feelings of emotional numbness
feelings of guilt
feelings of hopelessness about the future
feelings of shame
flashbacks to the traumatic event, both while the person is awake and during dreams (Flashbacks can last only a few minutes or can go on for days.)
hallucinations, either auditory or visual
moodiness, irritability and/or anger
nightmares
poor or deteriorating relationships with family and/or friends
withdrawing from activities that were once enjoyable.

These symptoms may not always be present. They can be frequent in some people and very rare in others.

Triggers of PTSD Symptoms

In some cases, PTSD sufferers may be symptom-free unless there is a reminder of the traumatic event, such as a loud noise or a news piece on a similar event. PTSD sufferers can be without symptoms for years.

Complications from PTSD Symptoms

In some cases, PTSD sufferers turn to alcohol or drugs to numb themselves and suppress symptoms. This can be far more damaging to a person and can lead to further problems.

Alcohol and drugs may make symptoms of PTSD worse, in some cases. Other possible complications of PTSD symptoms include:

depression
eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

Getting treatment and help is important for PTSD sufferers. Symptoms can be helped and people can recover from PTSD, though it's very difficult to do so without professional help. Medication and therapy can help to reduce or eliminate PTSD symptoms and can help sufferers lead normal lives. Prolonged treatment of PTSD is required in some cases.

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