Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Home » Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) » Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of PTSD are generally of three types:

• Intrusive
  • Dissociative states
  • Flashbacks
  • Intrusive emotions and memories
  • Nightmares and night terrors

• Avoidant
  • Avoiding emotions
  • Avoiding relationships
  • Avoiding responsibility for others
  • Avoiding situations that are reminiscent of the traumatic event
• Hyperarousal
  • Exaggerated startle reaction
  • Explosive outbursts
  • Extreme vigilance
  • Irritability
  • Panic symptoms
  • Sleep disturbance

Intrusive memories and emotions interfere with normal thought processes and social interaction. Flashbacks feature auditory and visual hallucinations. For example, the sounds and images of combat often comprise the content of flashbacks experienced by military veterans. Flashbacks can be triggered by ordinary stimuli such as a low-flying airplane or a loud noise, anything that brings to mind an aspect of the event. Nightmares and night terrors also feature aspects of the traumatic event.

Dissociative symptoms include psychic numbing, depersonalization, and amnesia.

People with PTSD commonly avoid stimuli and situations that remind them of the traumatic event because they trigger symptoms.

People experiencing hyperarousal symptoms are always on the alert for danger or threat and are easily startled.

Complications
Complications develop in people with chronic PTSD and delayed onset PTSD. These include the following:

• Alcohol and drug abuse or dependence
• Chronic anxiety
• Depression and increased risk for suicide
• Divorce and separation
• Guilt
• Low self-esteem
• Panic attacks
• Phobias
• Unemployment

In 1988, it was estimated that 40% of Vietnam veterans had problems with drug abuse, and almost one-half of these veterans had been divorced at least once.

Phobias of objects, situations, or environments that remind the person of the event often develop as complications of PTSD.

Panic attacks can be triggered by stimuli reminiscent of the event.

People with chronic PTSD and complications often become unemployed because severe symptoms interfere with their ability to perform their jobs and function socially in the workplace.

© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Resources

	Join Our Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer