Symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder
Symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources
for Post-traumatic stress disorder includes the 22
symptoms listed below:
Research symptoms & diagnosis of Post-traumatic stress disorder:
Post-traumatic stress disorder: Symptom Checkers
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Post-traumatic stress disorder: Symptom Assessment Questionnaires
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Post-traumatic stress disorder: Complications
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Post-traumatic stress disorder: Medical Mistakes
Post-traumatic stress disorder: Undiagnosed Conditions
Diseases that may be commonly undiagnosed in related medical areas:
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Home medical tests related to Post-traumatic stress disorder:
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Wrongly Diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder?
The list of other diseases or medical conditions
that may be on the differential diagnosis list of alternative diagnoses
for Post-traumatic stress disorder includes:
See the full list of 16
Post-traumatic stress disorder: Research Doctors & Specialists
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Other Possible Causes of these Symptoms
Click on any of the symptoms below to see a full list
of other causes including diseases, medical conditions, toxins, drug interactions,
or drug side effect causes of that symptom.
Article Excerpts About Symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: NWHIC (Excerpt)
Whatever the source of the problem, some people with PTSD repeatedly
relive the trauma in the form of nightmares and disturbing recollections
during the day. They may also experience sleep problems, depression,
feeling detached or numb, or being easily startled. They may lose interest
in things they used to enjoy and have trouble feeling affectionate. They
may feel irritable, more aggressive than before, or even violent. Seeing
things that remind them of the incident may be very distressing, which
could lead them to avoid certain places or situations that bring back
those memories. Anniversaries of the event are often very difficult. (Source: excerpt from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: NWHIC)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: NWHIC (Excerpt)
Symptoms may be
mild or severe -- people may become easily irritated or have violent
outbursts. In severe cases, they may have trouble working or socializing.
In general, the symptoms seem to be worse if the event that triggered them
was initiated by a person -- such as a rape, as opposed to a flood. (Source: excerpt from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: NWHIC)
Stress: NWHIC (Excerpt)
Many people with PTSD repeatedly re-experience the ordeal in the form
of flashback episodes, memories, nightmares, or frightening thoughts,
especially when they are exposed to events or objects that remind them of
the trauma. Anniversaries of the event can also trigger symptoms.
People with PTSD also experience emotional numbness and sleep
disturbances, depression, anxiety, and irritability or outbursts of anger.
Feelings of intense guilt (called survivor guilt) are also common,
particularly if others did not survive the traumatic event. (Source: excerpt from Stress: NWHIC)
Anxiety Disorders: NIMH (Excerpt)
The disturbing thoughts or images are called obsessions, and the
rituals that are performed to try to prevent or get rid of them are called
compulsions. There is no pleasure in carrying out the rituals you are
drawn to, only temporary relief from the anxiety that grows when you don't
perform them. (Source: excerpt from Anxiety Disorders: NIMH)
Anxiety Disorders: NIMH (Excerpt)
"I was raped when I was 25 years old. For a long time, I spoke
about the rape as though it was something that happened to someone else. I
was very aware that it had happened to me, but there was just no
feeling.
"Then I started having flashbacks. They kind of came over me like
a splash of water. I would be terrified. Suddenly I was reliving the rape.
Every instant was startling. I wasn't aware of anything around me, I was
in a bubble, just kind of floating. And it was scary. Having a flashback
can wring you out.
"The rape happened the week before Thanksgiving, and I can't
believe the anxiety and fear I feel every year around the anniversary
date. It's as though I've seen a werewolf. I can't relax, can't sleep,
don't want to be with anyone. I wonder whether I'll ever be free of this
terrible problem." (Source: excerpt from Anxiety Disorders: NIMH)
Anxiety Disorders: NIMH (Excerpt)
Ordinary events can serve as reminders of the trauma and trigger
flashbacks or intrusive images. A person having a flashback, which can
come in the form of images, sounds, smells, or feelings, may lose touch
with reality and believe that the traumatic event is happening all over
again. (Source: excerpt from Anxiety Disorders: NIMH)
Facts about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: NIMH (Excerpt)
Many people with PTSD repeatedly
re-experience the ordeal in the form of flashback episodes, memories,
nightmares, or frightening thoughts, especially when they are exposed to
events or objects reminiscent of the trauma. Anniversaries of the event
can also trigger symptoms. People with PTSD also experience emotional
numbness and sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and irritability or
outbursts of anger. Feelings of intense guilt are also common. Most people
with PTSD try to avoid any reminders or thoughts of the ordeal. PTSD is
diagnosed when symptoms last more than 1 month.
(Source: excerpt from Facts about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: NIMH)
Facts about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: NIMH (Excerpt)
Headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, immune system problems,
dizziness, chest pain, or discomfort in other parts of the body are
common. Often, doctors treat the symptoms without being aware that they
stem from PTSD. NIMH encourages primary care providers to ask patients
about experiences with violence, recent losses, and traumatic events,
especially if symptoms keep recurring. When PTSD is diagnosed, referral to
a mental health professional who has had experience treating people with
the disorder is recommended.
(Source: excerpt from Facts about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: NIMH)
Post-traumatic stress disorder: Onset and Incubation
Incubation period for Post-traumatic stress disorder: less than 3 months
Incubation period for Post-traumatic stress disorder: Symptoms typically begin within 3 months of a traumatic
event, although occasionally they do not begin until years later. Once
PTSD occurs, the severity and duration of the illness varies. Some people
recover within 6 months, while others suffer much longer.
(Source: excerpt from Facts about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: NIMH)
Medical articles and books on symptoms:
These general reference articles may be of interest
in relation to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:
Full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis
About signs and symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder:
The symptom information on this page
attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder.
This signs and symptoms information for Post-traumatic stress disorder has been gathered from various sources,
may not be fully accurate,
and may not be the full list of Post-traumatic stress disorder signs or Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder may vary on an individual basis for each patient.
Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they
are indeed Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
