Mental Health Condition
PTSD & Trauma
Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma-informed care
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is not a sign of weakness — it is a normal response to abnormal circumstances. Effective treatments exist.
Recognizing the Signs
Common Symptoms
- Flashbacks — reliving the traumatic event as if it is happening again
- Nightmares and intrusive thoughts about the trauma
- Severe anxiety or panic when reminded of the event
- Emotional numbness or feeling detached from others
- Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger memories
- Hypervigilance — always feeling on guard or easily startled
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Irritability or angry outbursts
If you recognize several of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, speaking with a mental health professional is the best next step.
Types & Subtypes
Forms of PTSD & Trauma
PTSD
Symptoms that develop and persist after exposure to traumatic events, lasting more than one month.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Develops from prolonged, repeated trauma such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity.
Acute Stress Disorder
PTSD-like symptoms occurring within 3 days to 4 weeks of a traumatic event.
Getting Better
Treatment Options
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a highly effective trauma therapy with strong research support. It helps the brain process traumatic memories.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
A trauma-focused CBT approach that helps you examine and change unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Gradually confronting trauma-related memories and situations to reduce avoidance and distress.
Medication
Sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD. Prazosin is sometimes used for nightmares.
Information on this page is sourced from: American Psychological Association (APA) & National Center for PTSD (VA). Content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly.
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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988. Always consult a licensed mental health professional before making decisions about your care.