JAMA PATIENT PAGE | Psychiatry

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Most people will go through a traumatic event at some time in their lives.
Stress reactions are normal after such events. But sometimes such experiences
lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Do I Have PTSD?
Traumatic events can produce several reactions. Some people have Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
upsetting memories or thoughts. They might have trouble sleep-
ing, or they might feel irritable, anxious, or have trouble concentrat-
ing. Most people get better with time. But you should get help if your
symptoms
Are very distressing
Cause problems in your life
Last longer than 2 or 3 months
Such symptoms might mean that you have PTSD.

What Kinds of Events Can Cause PTSD? Reliving the events Avoiding thoughts or
Traumatic events include physical or sexual violence, serious in- that caused PTSD feelings about the events

jury, or being close to possible death. You dont need to go through

a traumatic event yourself to experience trauma. You might have
stress reactions if you witness traumatic events happening to oth-
ers. You might also have stress reactions if you find out that some-
one close to you has had a traumatic event. This is especially true if
the event was violent or life-threatening. Also, some jobs expose
people to traumatic events. For example, police officers and fire-
fighters may eventually have stress reactions.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

Having bad feelings about Having trouble sleeping
There are 4 types of PTSD symptoms. People with PTSD have at least yourself or the world or concentrating
some of each type. Symptoms might include
Reliving the traumatic event. For example, you might have night-
mares about it or have repeated, intrusive memories of it. You also
might have intense reactions to anything that reminds you of it.
with the symptoms. He or she also might refer you to a mental health
You might even briefly feel it is happening all over again.
professional for psychotherapy (talk therapy) or medication. Many
Avoiding any thoughts or feelings about the event. You also might
people find that a combination of both is helpful.
avoid things that remind you of the event.
Having bad feelings about yourself or the world. You might blame
yourself or other people. You also might feel a strong sense of FOR MORE INFORMATION
shame, guilt, fear, or anger. Or you might feel less able to enjoy
National Institute of Mental Health
things, have positive feelings, or feel close to people in your life. www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
Having trouble sleeping or concentrating. You might feel jumpy or -ptsd/index.shtml
irritable. You might even feel or act more reckless than before.
National Center for PTSD
www.ptsd.va.gov/public/index.asp
What Can I Do If I Think I Might Have PTSD?
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
If you think that you or someone you care about may have PTSD, www.istss.org/public-resources.aspx
talk to your doctor. There are effective treatments. If your doctor
thinks you have PTSD, he or she might prescribe medication to help

Author: Michele Spoont, PhD
Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The author has completed and submitted the ICMJE
Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none were reported.
Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, National Center for PTSD, International
Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
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