Health Topics for Mental and Emotional Health

Department of Psychiatry

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder may occur after a person witnesses or goes through a life-threatening event. Examples include military combat, rape or sexual assault, physical attack, torture, natural disasters, or being kidnapped or held hostage. Two people may experience the same event while only one might end up with the disorder. People suffering from the disorder may relive the horrible event through nightmares and flashbacks, have trouble sleeping, feel unfriendly, and avoid other people.

In the days and weeks following exposure to a life-threatening event, most people will experience some of the symptoms of post- traumatic stress disorder. Of those who develop the disorder, about 30 percent will go on to develop a chronic form that persists throughout the person's life. Older veterans, who show no or only mild symptoms throughout their lives, may experience worse symptoms after retirement, serious medical illness in themselves (or their spouses), or exposure to reminders of their military service.

People more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder:

• have risk factors like childhood trauma and histories of significant loss
• have histories of depression or anxiety
• may be more sensitive to danger, fear, and stress and
• live in negative and unsupportive social environments

Post-traumatic stress disorder can cause changes such as depression, substance abuse and other mental and physical health problems. A person's ability to function in relationships can become impaired. Examples include:

• job instability
• marital problems and divorce
• family problems
• parenting difficulty

Medical treatment may be given for physical symptoms without being aware that the symptoms are related to post-traumatic stress disorder. Common physical symptoms in people with post-traumatic stress disorder include:

• sleep difficulty
• anxiety
• headaches
• gastrointestinal complaints
• decreased immunity
• dizziness
• chest pain and
• chronic fatigue

There is no cure for post-traumatic stress disorder; however there are therapies and medications that can help. See a therapist or your medical provider for an evaluation and appropriate referral. If you are a veteran, call your nearest VA for referral to a post- traumatic stress disorder group. If you have been assaulted, abused, or raped, call your local crisis center for help. If you have been the victim of a crime, your local county attorney's office may be able to refer you to a victim support group.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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