Signs and Symptoms

Generally, the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are
subdivided into three main categories.

Re-experiencing the traumatic event

• Flashbacks or repeated reliving of the event
• Intrusive, upsetting memories of the trauma
• Repeated nightmares or bad dreams
• Intense physical reactions to reminders of the event
(e.g. pounding heart, sweating)

Avoidance and numbing

• Avoiding activities, places, thoughts or feelings that remind you of the trauma
• Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma
• Loss of interest in general activities
• Feeling detached from others and emotionally numb
• Hopelessness about the future

Increased anxiety and emotional arousal

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Irritability or outbursts of anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hypervigilance – on constant alert
• Feeling jumpy and easily startled

---

Diagnosis

According to the National Mental Health Institute, to be diagnosed with PTSD a person demonstrates symptoms in all three categories for at least one month:

• At least one symptom in the
re-experiencing category
• At least three avoidance symptoms
• At least two symptoms of increased arousal
• Additional symptoms that interfere with normal activities
of daily living

A mental health professional should confirm the diagnosis

In your life, have you ever had any experience that was so frightening, horrible or upsetting that, in the past month, you:

1. Have had nightmares about it or thought about it when you did not
want to?

2. Tried hard not to think about it or went out of your way to avoid
situations that reminded you of it?

3. Were constantly on guard, watchful or easily startled?

4. Felt numb or detached from others, activities or your surroundings?

Current research suggests that if you answered “yes” to any three questions, you might have PTSD. If so, it may be helpful to talk to a mental health professional. PTSD is highly treatable with psychotherapy (talk therapy), drug therapy or a combination of both.

Source: Prins et alia, (2004). The primary care PTSD screen (PC–PTSD): Corrigendum. Primary Care Psychiatry, 9, 151

If PTSD is not diagnosed and treated it can lead to other mental health disorders, such as depression and alcohol or drug abuse. In some cases the person suffering from trauma has thoughts of suicide. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, or if you know someone who is having these thoughts, seek help right away. Call your doctor, 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.

Need more information?

For more information on suicide