Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
By Dr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D.
Approximately 7.7 million American adults age 18 and older (about 3.5%) have PTSD. Women are more likely than
men to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It can occur at any age, including childhood, and there is some evidence that susceptibility to
PTSD may run in families. The disorder is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or one or more other anxiety
disorders.
PTSD is often associated with war veterans. About 19% of Vietnam veterans experienced PTSD at some point after the war.
The disorder also frequently occurs after violent personal assaults such as rape, mugging, or domestic violence, terrorism, natural or human-caused disasters, and accidents.
Symptoms of PTSD can include:
General restlessness
Insomnia
Aggressiveness
Depression
Dissociation
Emotional detachment
Nightmares
Whatever the original source of the trauma, some people with PTSD repeatedly relive the event in the form of
nightmares and disturbing recollections during the day. Anniversaries of the traumatic event are often
particularly difficult. Ordinary events can serve as reminders of the trauma and trigger flashbacks or intrusive images
that lead to high anxiety. A person having a flashback - triggered by images, sounds, smells, or feelings—may lose touch
with reality and believe that the traumatic event is happening all over again.
Fortunately, not every traumatized person gets full-blown PTSD, or experiences PTSD at all. PTSD is diagnosed
only if the symptoms last more than a month. In those who do develop PTSD, symptoms generally begin within 3 months
of the trauma. The course of the illness varies with some people recovering within 6 months, while others have symptoms
that last much longer. In some cases, the condition becomes chronic.
In a small percentage of people, PTSD doesn't show up until years after the traumatic event.
at home.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
Fredricks, R. (2008). Healing & wholeness: Complementary and alternative therapies for mental health. Bloomington,IN: Authorhouse.
San Jose Therapy Counseling Psychotherapy psychotherapist therapist
