Symptoms
PTSD is defined as persistent (>1 month) symptoms occurring after a life-threatening traumatic event in which there was an immediate response of fear, helplessness, or horror. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can arise suddenly, gradually, or come and go over time. Symptoms may include:- Intrusive thoughts recalling the traumatic event
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Efforts to avoid feelings and thoughts that either remind you of the traumatic event or that trigger similar feelings
- Feeling detached or unable to connect with loved ones
- Depression, hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt (from the false belief that you were responsible for the traumatic incident)
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Hypervigilance (being overly aware of possible danger)
- Hypersensitivity, including at least two of the following reactions: trouble sleeping, being angry, having difficulty concentrating, startling easily, having a physical reaction (rapid heart rate or breathing, increase in blood pressure)
- Bedwetting
- Forgetting how or being unable to talk
- Acting out the scary event during playtime
- Being unusually clingy with a parent or other adult
Causes
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a very stressful, frightening or distressing event, or after a prolonged traumatic experience.Types of events that can lead to PTSD include:
- Serious road accidents
- Violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery
- Witnessing violent deaths
- Military combat
- Being held hostage
- Terrorist attacks
- Natural disasters, such as severe floods, earthquakes or tsunamis