PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a condition resulting from a traumatic event outside the range of a person's normal experience.

What is going on in the body?

PTSD is a psychological reaction to a catastrophic event outside of the individual. Researchers have identified changes in the central and autonomic nervous systems in people with PTSD. Changes in hormone systems have also been identified.

There are three types of PTSD reactions:

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

PTSD is caused by exposure to excessive stress or trauma. Events that spark the condition are not normally part of most people's life experience. Events that can trigger PTSD include the following:

Not everyone exposed to such events will develop PTSD. It is not known why some individuals develop PTSD. However, having strong support systems lessens a person's risk of the disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms of PTSD fall into three main categories.

The first is reliving the event in one or more of the following ways:

The second category involves a tendency to avoid reminders of the event. This tendency can cause the following symptoms:

The third category involves a higher level of arousal and anxiety than before the trauma. This level can cause the following symptoms:

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of PTSD begins with a medical history and physical exam. PTSD is diagnosed based on a person's symptoms. In addition, a major, extreme event must have taken place.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Critical incident stress debriefing involves immediate counseling after the traumatic event. It may cut down on the chances of developing PTSD. The earlier counseling is started, the better the chances for success.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

People with PTSD often have problems in their relationships with others. Marriage problems and high divorce rates are common. Job and legal problems also occur frequently in persons with the syndrome. Alcoholism and drug abuse are significant among people with PTSD.

What are the risks to others?

PTSD is not contagious and poses no risk to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment of PTSD can help reduce symptoms in some individuals. anxiety \ \ depression \ \eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia \ \ alcohol and drug abuse problems\ ',CAPTION,'Cognitive Behavioral Therapy');" onmouseout="return nd();">Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps the individual change perceptions and attitudes about the trauma. Group therapy can be helpful, especially if others in the group suffered the same trauma. Exposure therapy allows the person to repeatedly relive the frightening experience under controlled conditions. This can help him or her work through the trauma.

People with PTSD often need treatment for depression or substance abuse. This needs to occur before measures directed at decreasing symptoms of PTSD can be effective.

Medicines used to treat PTSD include the following:

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Medicines used to treat PTSD can cause drowsiness, stomach upset, and allergic reactions.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Chronic PTSD often persists for years. It usually becomes less intense and bothersome as time passes.

How is the condition monitored?

PTSD is monitored with regular visits to the healthcare provider. Blood tests may be done periodically to measure levels of medicines. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Ann Reyes, Ph.D.
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:04/30/01
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:08/20/01