Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

Conditions & Diseases: Psychological & Mental Health

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of posttraumatic stress disorder typically begin within the first three months of the traumatic event, but in some cases, can develop a few years later. In order for a diagnosis of PTSD to be established, these signs and symptoms must last for more then one month. When they occur for less then one month, then it is called Acute Stress Disorder.

Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms are divided into three categories:

1. Flashbacks or recurrent re-experiences of the traumatic event. The traumatic event can be relived through upsetting memories or flashbacks. Flashbacks are usually brief episodes of "intrusive recollections of the event" (1) that can occur during the day or the night, as nightmares. During these flashbacks, the person breaks away from reality and relives the experience once again. These memories or flashbacks can be triggered by a sound, feeling, image, smell, or object that resembles or reminds the person of the traumatic event.

2. Avoidance patterns and emotional numbing. Individuals with PTSD avoid encountering any scenario that can trigger a recall of the traumatic event. This can include avoiding thoughts, feelings, activities, locations, conversations, situations, and people connected or associated with the traumatic event.

Individuals with PTSD experience a general numbing of emotional responsiveness that usually begins soon after the event. Initially, this symptom is more obvious for the individual itself than for those around them. They may withdraw from friends and family, experience hard time being a loving family member, feel detached and estranged from other people, and have difficulties feeling emotions, especially those associated with intimacy, tenderness, and sexuality. It is common for individuals with PTSD to experience a lack of interest or participation in activities that used to produce pleasure.

3. Chronic physical signs of hyperarousal. Individuals with PTSD have persistent symptoms of anxiety or hyperarousal. These symptoms include:

Sleep problems (difficulties falling or staying asleep due to recurrent nightmares)
Hypervigilance (they scan the environment as if looking for danger)
Irritability
Outbursts of anger
Exaggerated startled responses
Difficulties concentrating or completing tasks

In many cases, individuals with PTSD develop other psychological problems such as depression, substance abuse (either alcohol, or drugs), other anxiety disorders, and even suicidal thoughts.

Article by Alina Morrow
MS Psychology
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com