Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Signs and Symptoms |
Physician-developed and -monitored. Original Date of Publication: 01 Feb 2001
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Original Source: http://www.mentalhealthchannel.net/ptsd/symptoms.shtml | |
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Home » Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) » Signs and Symptoms | 
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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.
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