PTSD symptoms

Overview

PTSD develops after exposure to a traumatic event and involves intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal. Symptoms last more than a month and impair function.

Symptoms to watch for

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Avoidance of trauma reminders
• Negative beliefs about self or the world
• Emotional numbing
• Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle
• Sleep problems and irritability

What else could this be?

• Acute stress disorder (<1 month)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Complex PTSD from chronic trauma

How it's diagnosed

PCL-5 screening plus clinical interview using DSM-5 criteria.

Treatment

First-line: trauma-focused psychotherapy (CPT, PE, EMDR). Medications: SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine), SNRIs, prazosin for nightmares.

Frequently asked