Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

For most people, ]]>PTSD]]> starts within about three months of the traumatic event. For some people, signs of PTSD don't show up until years later. PTSD can happen to anyone at any age. Even children can have it. Some people get better within six months, while others may have the illness for much longer. Symptoms of PTSD may vary in frequency and intensity over time, and may fall into three categories:

Re-experiencing the event:
- Dreams/nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Anxious reactions to reminders of the event
- Hallucinations
Avoidance:
- Avoiding close emotional contact with family and friends
- Avoiding people or places that are reminders of the event
- Loss of memory about the event
- Feelings of detachment, numbness
Arousal:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Anger and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Being easily startled

Physical symptoms may also occur such as:

Stomach and digestive problems
Chest pain
Headaches
Dizziness
Immune system problems

People with PTSD may also abuse ]]>alcohol]]> or ]]>drugs]]>.

References:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). American Psychiatric Association; 2000.

National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ .

Last reviewed March 2009 by ]]>Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.