Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying or dangerous event. People may experience a range of reactions after trauma, and most people recover from initial symptoms over time. Those who continue to experience post-traumatic symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that about 6% of the U.S. population experiences PTSD at some point in their lifetime and that women (8%) are more likely than men (4%) to develop it. Women are more likely to have PTSD due to the higher chances of experiencing a traumatic event such as sexual assault.
Those who serve in the military are the most likely to have PTSD. If the service member sees deployment, the chances of developing PTSD can triple. Still, anyone can develop this condition; it is not exclusive to those who have served or are currently serving.
Symptoms of PTSD
To be at risk for PTSD, the trauma must be a shocking and dangerous event that you see or that happens to you. During this event, you think that your or others' lives are in danger.
There are four types of PTSD symptoms, but they may not be the same for everyone. Each person experiences symptoms differently. The types are:
Re-experiencing symptoms. When something reminds you of the trauma, you may feel the same fear again. For example, you may experience flashbacks, nightmares or frightening thoughts.
Avoidance symptoms. You might try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. This may cause you to avoid places, events or objects that are reminders of the experience. For example, if you were in a car accident, you might stop driving. It may also cause you to avoid thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event. Similarly, you might try to stay very busy to avoid thinking about what happened.
Reactivity symptoms. Frequently feeling jittery or on the lookout for danger is a common symptom of PTSD. This includes being easily startled, tense or "on edge," having difficulty sleeping or having angry outbursts.
Cognition and mood symptoms. These are adverse changes in beliefs and feelings. You may have trouble remembering important things about the traumatic event, have negative thoughts about yourself or the world, feel blame and guilt, no longer have interest in things you enjoyed or have difficulty concentrating.
While these symptoms usually begin to occur directly after the traumatic event, you may not experience them for weeks, months or years afterward. No matter how much time has passed, it's important to seek support if you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms above.
What are the symptoms of PTSD in children?
Children may have symptoms like those above or other symptoms. Here are some examples of PTSD symptoms in children and teens:
Children under six may get upset if their parents are not close by, have trouble sleeping or act out the trauma in their play
Children ages seven to 11 may also act out the trauma through play, drawings or stories. Some have nightmares or become more irritable or aggressive. They may also want to avoid school or have trouble with schoolwork or friends.
Children age 12 to 18 have symptoms more similar to adults: depression, anxiety, withdrawal or reckless behavior like substance use or running away
Treatment for PTSD
While there isn't a cure for PTSD, there are treatments available to help you cope with symptoms, including:
Talk therapy or psychotherapy. When you speak with a professional therapist, you can learn how to identify and manage triggers. Understanding how your mind works can help you cope with uncomfortable feelings and learn healthy ways of moving forward.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). One of the most effective treatment methods for PTSD is EMDR. The goal of the treatment method is to help you process traumatic events through eye movement and by confronting upsetting memories, thoughts and feelings related to the trauma. By processing these experiences, you can find relief from symptoms.
Medicines. Certain medications can help with the symptoms of PTSD. Antidepressants may help control symptoms such as sadness, worry, anger and feeling numb inside. Other medicines can help with sleep problems and nightmares. Talk to your medical care provider for more information about your medication.
Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institute of Health and MedlinePlus.
