PTSDsymptom

PTSD symptoms are distressing signs that may follow exposure to a traumatic event. They can appear in clusters and may indicate post-traumatic stress disorder when they persist for more than one month and cause significant distress or impairment. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and symptoms can vary in type and severity.

The symptom clusters typically described are intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and arousal. Intrusion includes involuntary distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares. Avoidance involves efforts to avoid thoughts, memories, or reminders of the event, as well as places, people, or activities linked to the trauma. Negative alterations refer to persistent negative beliefs about oneself or others, distorted blame, diminished interest in activities, detachment, and trouble experiencing positive emotions. Arousal and reactivity symptoms encompass hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, irritability or angry outbursts, sleep disturbance, concentration difficulties, and sometimes reckless behavior.

Onset can occur days to months after the event and may fluctuate in intensity. For a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms must last more than a month and cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Subthreshold or partial PTSD can occur when individuals experience several but not all core symptoms.

Commonly co-occurring conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use problems. Assessment is typically conducted by a mental health professional, and evidence-based treatments include trauma-focused psychotherapies such as cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and EMDR, often with or without medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Early intervention after trauma can improve outcomes.