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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Moderate
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event involving serious injury, death, abuse, violence, disaster, or another extreme threat. Symptoms may include intrusive memories or nightmares, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in thoughts or mood, and increased alertness or startle responses. Symptoms can interfere with relationships, work, sleep, and daily activities.
Body System
Mental Health
When to Seek Medical Attention
Post-traumatic stress disorder should be professionally assessed when symptoms persist, become very distressing, or interfere with daily functioning. Seek prompt care when symptoms worsen, sleep and functioning are substantially affected, or the person is struggling to control behavior. Emergency assistance is needed for suicidal thoughts, thoughts of harming others, severe loss of behavioral control, severe confusion, or inability to remain safe.
Symptoms
4
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event involving serious injury, death, abuse, violence, disaster, or another extreme threat. Symptoms may include intrusive memories or nightmares, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in thoughts or mood, and increased alertness or startle responses. Symptoms can interfere with relationships, work, sleep, and daily activities.
Symptoms 4
Insomnia
Irritability
Panic Attacks
Scalp Itching
Causes 1
PTSD can occur after a traumatic event, but not everyone who experiences trauma develops the disorder. The reasons for this difference are not fully understood. Genetic factors, previous emotional trauma, individual responses to stress, family circumstances, and the nature or severity of the traumatic experience may all influence vulnerability. PTSD can occur after events such as assault, accidents, abuse, disasters, war, or sexual violence.
Stress
Risk Factors
Risk may be influenced by previous trauma, earlier emotional difficulties, repeated or severe traumatic experiences, limited social support, and personal or family factors affecting responses to stress. Certain traumatic events may carry greater risk than others. Having symptoms soon after trauma does not necessarily mean PTSD will develop, because normal distress after trauma can improve with time.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical assessment of symptoms, their duration, their relationship to a traumatic event, and their effect on daily life. A mental health professional may ask about intrusive memories, avoidance, changes in mood and thinking, sleep, alertness, and functioning. PTSD is generally considered when the required symptom pattern persists for at least one month and causes significant distress or impairment.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
There is no guaranteed way to prevent PTSD after trauma
Early access to supportive care, safe surroundings, practical assistance, and appropriate mental health support may help people cope after a traumatic event
People whose symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere substantially with daily life should seek professional evaluation
Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs can also reduce factors that may worsen symptoms
Prevention Guidance
There is no guaranteed way to prevent PTSD after trauma. Early access to supportive care, safe surroundings, practical assistance, and appropriate mental health support may help people cope after a traumatic event. People whose symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere substantially with daily life should seek professional evaluation. Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs can also reduce factors that may worsen symptoms.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Omega-3 Foods
Support mental wellbeing
Vegetables
Provide nutrients
Fresh Fruits
Support recovery
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May worsen symptoms
Excess Caffeine
May increase anxiety
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A disorder that develops after trauma.
Exposure to traumatic events.
Flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
Yes, many people benefit from therapy.
Through psychiatric evaluation.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.