Following a traumatic experience, most individuals become frightened, anxious, sad, and even disconnected. When they struggle to overcome these symptoms, treatment may be necessary.

More About PTSD

Learn more about PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is mental illness that some people develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Fear is a natural reaction to danger as it tells the body when it should prepare to defend itself against danger or run away from it. This type of fight-or-flight response is a healthy emotional and physical reaction experienced to protect a person from experiencing harm. However, for people who have PTSD, this reaction is damaged or changed. These people may feel frightened or stressed even when they are no longer in danger.

Today it is known that PTSD can affect people at any age, but it should be noted that not everyone who goes through an overwhelming, traumatic event will develop this disorder. Posttraumatic stress disorder develops differently in each individual who experiences it, as some notice symptoms in the days and weeks following the event, while others do not develop symptoms for weeks, months, or even years.

While any situation that causes people to feel helpless or as if they’re in danger can lead to PTSD, the most common traumatic events include:

Terrorist attacks
Sudden, unexpected death of a loved one
Rape/sexual assault
Kidnapping
Physical assault
War
Natural disasters
Car accidents
Plane crashes
Sexual or physical abuse
Child neglect

Statistics

Statistics on PTSD

Each year, about 5.2 million adults struggle with PTSD, which is only a fraction of people who’ve experienced a trauma each year. PTSD is more common in women, with approximately 10% of women developing posttraumatic stress disorder at some time in their lives compared to 5% of men. About 7% to 8% of the population of the United States will develop PTSD at some point in their lifetime.

What Causes PTSD?

Learn about the causes and risk factors for PTSD

It’s thought that the development of posttraumatic stress disorder is caused by a variety of genetic, environmental, and physical factors working together. These factors can cause PTSD to develop in some individuals. Some of the hypothesized causes and identified risk factors for PTSD include:

Genetic: People who have first-degree relatives who have anxiety disorders or other types of mental illness are at a greater risk than others for developing PTSD after they have been exposed to an event that they find to be particularly traumatic.

Physical: Neuroimaging studies done on people who have PTSD have shown that there are marked differences in the structure of certain brain structures. Additionally, the neurotransmitter levels of dopamine and serotonin may be lower than in those who do not have an anxiety disorder.

Environmental: People who live in a high-stress environment, such as in an impoverished area where violence is a part of daily life, may be at increased risk for developing PTSD after a traumatic event.

Risk Factors:

Living through dangerous events and traumas
Being female
Lower education
Childhood trauma – neglect or abuse
History of mental illness
History of substance use or abuse
Being hurt
Seeing people hurt or killed
Feeling horror, helplessness, or extreme fear
Having little-to-no social support after the event
Dealing with extra stressors following the event, such as pain, injury, loss of home, loss of employment, or loss of a loved one.

Signs of PTSD

Signs and symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD can develop suddenly or may start gradually, worsening over time. Symptoms vary vastly among individuals based upon co-occurring disorders, individual genetic makeup, and symptom severity. These may include:

Re-Experiencing Symptoms:

Intense physical reactions to triggers
Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event
Flashbacks – living through the trauma over and over
Nightmares and bad dreams
Frightening thoughts
Disruptions in everyday routine
Severe distress when reminded of the trauma
Triggered by words, objects, or situations that remind the person of the event

Avoidance Symptoms:

Emotional numbing
Guilt
Depression
Anxiety and worry
Feeling detached from others
Avoiding certain places, events, or people that remind a person of the trauma
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Sense of a limited future
Loss of interest in life
Challenges recalling important parts of the traumatic event

Hyperarousal Symptoms:

Feeling constantly tense or on-edge
Insomnia or challenges staying asleep
Difficulties sleeping and eating
Stress
Anger
Easily startled
Hard time concentrating

Other Symptoms of PTSD:

Anger
Feelings of betrayal and distrust
Feeling alienated from others
Irritability
Guilt, shame, or self-blame
Substance or alcohol abuse
Hopelessness about the future
Suicidal thoughts

Effects of PTSD

The effects of PTSD

Left untreated, it is rare for PTSD to go away on its own. However, with proper treatments and lifestyle changes, those who are struggling with PTSD are able to lead happy, productive lives. Some of the long-term effects that may develop as a result of untreated posttraumatic stress disorder include:

Substance abuse and addiction
Lower income
Domestic and child abuse
Social isolation and withdrawal
Loss of occupational or scholastic functioning
Decreased ability to have successful interpersonal relationships
Divorce
Violence
Anxiety
Worsening physical health problems
Depression
Anger
Mood swings
Self-harm
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Co-Occurring Disorders

PTSD and co-occurring disorders

Posttraumatic stress disorder often presents with a number of other types of mental health disorders. In fact, 80% of people who have PTSD experience symptoms of another mental health concern. Some of the most common co-occurring disorders may include: