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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a frightening or dangerous event. It is more than a normal reaction to danger; PTSD involves lasting symptoms that can interfere with daily life, relationships, and work. With understanding, support, and evidence-based care, many people recover and regain a sense of safety and control.

What counts as trauma

Trauma involves exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. It can happen directly to you, involve witnessing harm to others, or occur through learning that a violent event happened to someone close. Repeated exposure to details of trauma (for example, in certain professions) can also be triggering. Common events include natural disasters, serious accidents, combat, physical or sexual violence, and severe abuse. The way a person experiences and processes these events shapes risk for PTSD.

How PTSD develops

After a traumatic event, the brain and body may stay in a state of heightened alert. In PTSD, memories, emotions, and physical responses related to the event can become hard to regulate. Over time, this can lead to persistent and distressing symptoms. Several factors influence risk, including the severity of the trauma, ongoing danger, lack of social support, previous mental health challenges, and difficult reactions to the event. Importantly, many people experience some stress after trauma, but only some go on to develop PTSD.

Main symptom categories

Re-experiencing symptoms

People with PTSD may have intrusive memories, distressing dreams, or flashbacks in which it feels as if the event is happening again. Triggers can be sights, sounds, or sensations that remind the person of the trauma.

Avoidance

To protect themselves from distress, individuals may avoid people, places, activities, or thoughts that remind them of the event. They may withdraw socially or try to numb feelings through distraction or substances.

Negative thoughts and mood

PTSD often brings persistent negative beliefs about oneself or others, feelings of guilt or blame, emotional numbness, loss of interest in activities, or difficulty experiencing positive emotions. Sleep problems and trouble concentrating are common as well.

Hyperarousal

Even when there is no immediate danger, the body stays on high alert. Symptoms include being easily startled, irritability or anger, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. This heightened state can affect daily functioning and safety.

Diagnosis

PTSD is diagnosed by a qualified clinician through a careful evaluation of your history, symptoms, and how long they have lasted. To qualify for PTSD, symptoms must persist for more than one month and cause significant distress or impairment in work, school, or relationships. Clinicians may use standardized screening tools, such as the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), as part of the assessment, but a formal diagnosis rests on a clinical interview and criteria outlined in the DSM-5-TR. Age can influence how PTSD presents, so clinicians tailor evaluation and treatment to adults, teens, or children as appropriate. A medical exam may be done to rule out other conditions that could mimic PTSD symptoms.

Treatment approaches

Treatment for PTSD often combines psychotherapy and, when appropriate, medication. A stepwise, person-centered plan works best for many people, with adjustments over time based on response and preferences.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Helps reframe unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma and its consequences.
  • Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy: Guides gradual, controlled re-experiencing and exposure to reminders to reduce fear responses.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Combines recalling trauma with guided bilateral stimulation to reprocess distressing memories.
  • Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT): Adapts cognitive-behavioral approaches for different ages, emphasizing coping skills and gradual exposure.

Medications

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or paroxetine are commonly used to ease PTSD symptoms. Medications may help with sleep, mood, and anxiety and are often most effective when combined with therapy and used under a clinician’s supervision.

Other treatment options

  • Mindfulness, relaxation, and stress-management techniques to reduce hyperarousal
  • Sleep-focused strategies and therapies for nightmare-related symptoms
  • Involvement of partners or family to support recovery and reduce avoidance
  • Group therapy, peer support, and community programs

Coping strategies and self-help

  • Grounding techniques: Grounding exercises (such as the 5-4-3-2-1 senses method) help reconnect with the present moment during distress.
  • Establish a consistent daily routine with regular meals, exercise, and sleep times.
  • Avoid or limit alcohol and non-prescribed substances, which can worsen symptoms.
  • Engage in physical activity, which supports mood regulation and stress resilience.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene: fixed bedtimes, wind-down routines, and limiting caffeine late in the day.
  • Reach out to trusted friends, family, or support groups for connection and understanding.
  • Journaling or expressive writing to process thoughts and feelings in a safe way.
  • Breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery to ease acute stress.

If symptoms feel overwhelming, seeking professional help promptly is important. A mental health team can adjust strategies and supports as needed.

Support resources

Reliable information and access to care are available from government and nonprofit organizations. Consider exploring these resources for education, self-help tools, and treatment options:

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or crisis, contact your local emergency services. For confidential support, you can also reach the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit their resource page: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.

 

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