What is post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that can result from being in or seeing one or more traumatic events. These events include combat, a natural disaster, sexual or physical violence, or a serious accident.

PTSD can make you feel scared, confused, or angry; have nightmares or flashbacks; and be easily angered or "on edge." It can cause a lot of distress and affect your daily life. But many people get better with treatment.

PTSD symptoms usually start soon after the traumatic event. But they may not happen until months or years later. They also may come and go.

You may have PTSD if you:

• Feel upset by things that remind you of what happened.
• Have nightmares, vivid memories, or flashbacks of the event.
• Avoid places or things that remind you of what happened.
• Feel bad about yourself and the world.
• Feel numb or lose interest in things you used to care about.
• Feel that you're always in danger.
• Feel anxious, jittery, or irritated.
• Have trouble sleeping or concentrating.

Children can have PTSD too. They may have the symptoms listed above or other symptoms that vary based on their age. For example, young children may act out trauma through play, but older children may engage in risky behaviors.

If you think you or your child has PTSD, talk to your doctor or a counselor. Treatment can help.

There is no medical test that can diagnose PTSD. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, how long you've had them, and how much they affect your daily activities.

Your doctor may also ask about:

• The event or events that led to your symptoms.
• Traumatic events in your past, including those from childhood.
• Whether anyone in your family has had a mental health problem.
• Whether you have any suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming others.

You may also have a physical exam or lab tests to check for signs of injury or other medical problems that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor will also check to see if you have other mental health problems like depression or substance use disorder.

Your doctor may want your spouse, partner, or close family member to come with you. This person can help your doctor understand what you've been going through.

Medicines and counseling are used to treat PTSD. Treatment can help you to feel more in control of your emotions, have fewer symptoms, and enjoy life again.

• Counseling. There are many types of therapy that focus on the trauma to help you get better. Most therapies use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. These help you understand your thoughts and learn ways to cope with your feelings. Cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure therapy are examples of types of CBT that are used.
• Antidepressant medicines, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They can help with many PTSD symptoms. SSRIs include fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline.

You may need to try different types of treatment before you find the one that helps you. These include other types of medicines and other forms of counseling, such as group counseling.

Learn and engage in positive coping activities like getting support and developing healthy habits for sleep, exercise, and managing stress. Be sure to take medicines as prescribed. And go to your counseling sessions. Relaxation exercises may help you cope with your symptoms. Avoid drinking too much or using marijuana and other drugs.