Post-traumatic stress disorder, aka PTSD, is a serious mental health condition once attributed only to post-war veterans. Today, we know that it’s so much more.

Many of us are familiar with that near-miss feeling. Whether it’s a car that comes a little too close or a medical scare in the emergency room, that near-miss is a memorable experience.

When we experience a traumatic event, several systems in the body kick into high gear. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland both release stress hormones, preparing us to fight, flee, or freeze.

When the danger passes, many people can move on and “shake it off,” so to speak. Yet, for some of us, that feeling of being on high alert can persist for weeks, months, or even years and occur alongside other symptoms.

If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a rare condition, and with the right management plan, including trauma therapy, you can manage your symptoms.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that may occur as a result of witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event.

It was added as a diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980.

People who live with PTSD experience an elevated “fight or flight” response. Perceived threats trigger their autonomic nervous system, which leads to chemical alterations in the brain. This creates a sense of danger and other symptoms, even when there is no actual threat or the threat is no longer present.

How common is PTSD?

Many people will experience a traumatic event without further complications, but a small percentage go on to develop PTSD.

In the United States, 3.6% of adults — about 9 million people — meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

PTSD is more prevalent among those in high-stress working environments, like firefighters, first responders, police officers, and military veterans.

The number of military veterans with PTSD varies by service era:

Operation Iraqi Freedom: 11% to 20%, or about 11 to 20 out of every 100 veterans, live with PTSD
Gulf War: 12%, or 12 out of 100 veterans
Vietnam War: 15%, or 15 out of 100 veterans

In addition, 23% of women use Veterans Affairs (VA) services because of PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST) during their time of service. Both men (38%) and women (55%) report PTSD due to sexual harassment while in the military.

Causes of PTSD

PTSD was formerly called “shell shock” or “battle fatigue syndrome,” and many people may be familiar with the condition through its association with wartime veterans.

However, PTSD can develop from a range of different scenarios. What ties them together is a real or perceived threat of danger, which may involve a possible loss of life.

Some PTSD causes include:

natural disaster
crime violence
serious medical event
near-death experience
loss of a loved one
physical or sexual abuse
transportation accidents (car, plane, etc.)

In general, any stressful event where you feel fear, shock, horror, or helplessness can cause PTSD.

Risk factors of PTSD

Researchers still don’t know why some people develop PTSD and others do not. However, there are a handful of factors that may increase the chances of diagnosis. Some of these include:

lack of a support network
history of other mental health conditions
past experiences of abuse, often in childhood
declining physical health
being female
getting physically hurt

Another factor that may contribute to PTSD is experiencing a stressful event after a traumatic event, such as getting a divorce shortly after a serious car accident.

Genetics might also play a role. In brain scans of people with PTSD, research suggests that the hippocampus — the part of the brain that deals with memories and emotional regulation — is smaller and shaped differently than in those without PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD

In the few days after a traumatic event, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, cry, or have difficulty focusing. These symptoms don’t necessarily point to a longer-term condition.

Symptoms of PTSD tend to last longer, disrupt your everyday activities, and negatively impact your overall quality of life. They usually surface within 3 months after the traumatic event, though they can arise at a later point as well.

Intrusion symptoms

These symptoms — referred to as re-experiencing symptoms in older versions of the DSM — are those that take you back to the trauma.

flashbacks or dissociative reactions
nightmares or distressing dreams
intense, unpleasant memories, images, or thoughts
emotional or physical distress when you think about the traumatic event

Avoidance symptoms

These symptoms or behaviors are exactly what they sound like. You will likely avoid anything that reminds you of the traumatic event, including:

people
places
situations

You might also avoid thinking and talking about the traumatic event.

For example, if you’re experiencing PTSD due to a car accident, you might avoid the place where the accident happened or avoid driving altogether.

Other external reminders can include sounds and smells.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms

This category of symptoms includes physical reactions to trauma or reminders of trauma. Examples include:

irritability
feeling on edge
difficulty with concentration
heightened startle response
sudden bursts of anger

Mood and cognition symptoms

Our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings are affected by our mood. Conversely, our moods are affected by our feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. Unhealthy thinking patterns can be a product of PTSD. Some of these include:

negative self-talk
feelings of guilt or self-blame
memory issues
lack of interest in things you love

Physical symptoms

Though not discussed in the newest version of the DSM, the physical symptoms of PTSD can mimic a panic attack. Some physical symptoms include:

sweating
shaking
dizziness
headaches
chest pain
upset stomach
unexplained aches and pains
fatigue from nightmares or sleep disturbances

PTSD symptoms in children

Adults aren’t the only ones who get PTSD — it can occur at any age. In children, some of the symptoms of PTSD might be:

bedwetting
nightmares
increased clinginess with adults
expression of trauma through art or games

In the case of trauma from sexual abuse, children might exhibit:

low self-worth
fear, sadness, isolation
aggression
abnormal sexual behavior
self-harm
alcohol or substance use

Diagnosis of PTSD

For an accurate diagnosis of PTSD, certain criteria must be met.

You were exposed to or witnessed death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence.
You experience one or more intrusion symptoms, avoidance symptoms, reactivity symptoms, and mood and cognition symptoms.
Your symptoms have been present for at least 1 month.
Your symptoms cause difficulty in social or occupational settings.
Your symptoms are not related to medication, substance use, or illness.

If you’re experiencing any of these, consider reaching out to your healthcare professional, if available.

A physical exam might be performed during your evaluation to make sure a medical issue is not the cause of your symptoms. A psychological evaluation may also be done to discuss your signs and symptoms and the events that might have caused them.

You might also be asked to complete a questionnaire and answer questions about your personal and family history.

A primary care physician or healthcare professional will likely refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Only a mental health specialist — such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker — can accurately diagnose PTSD.

Treatment for PTSD

While there’s no way to prevent a traumatic event from occurring, there are ways to manage any symptoms that arise in the aftermath of a trauma.

Researchers have noted a few resilience factors, which are characteristics of people who can adapt and grow after trauma. These include:

the ability to reach out and seek support
success in developing coping strategies
a feeling of positivity around how they responded to their trauma

Those who practice “active coping,” may recover from PTSD more quickly. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), some recover within 6 months. For others, treatment may last several years.

Treatment for PTSD often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy

Research shows that psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, may be an effective treatment option for PTSD.

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): This technique is used to help process a trauma, since many people aren’t able to process it directly after it happens. CPT can also help someone restructure their beliefs around what happened in more helpful ways.
Prolonged exposure therapy: This is a type of CBT that involves gradually approaching trauma-related memories or situations that you’ve been avoiding since the event. This technique is done slowly, safely, and systematically. You might also learn breathing techniques to help manage your anxiety.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR uses gentle tones or tapes to interrupt thought patterns or beliefs. Research shows that it can reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, and paranoia.

Medications

Some medications may have a positive impact on PTSD symptoms, like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.

The commonly prescribed medications for PTSD include the following antidepressants:

sertraline (Zoloft)
paroxetine (Paxil)
venlafaxine (Effexor)

Alternative therapies

PTSD is effectively managed with medications and psychotherapy. There are other strategies — known as complementary and alternative medicine — that you can try to help manage your symptoms. However, there’s not enough research to support their effectiveness.

If you’re interested in trying these complementary and alternative strategies, discuss your options closely with your doctor.

Art therapy

Art therapy can help people with PTSD process traumatic events in a different way. Art can be a way to express how an individual is feeling when words are not enough.

Creative mediums like painting, drawing, coloring, and sculpture are often used in art therapy.

One 2017 pilot study suggests that art therapy eased symptoms of PTSD due to multiple or prolonged trauma, such as people who’d experienced early childhood trauma and refugees from different cultures.

Other research suggests that art therapy might help reduce symptoms of combat-related PTSD and depression.

Yoga and meditation

A recent study has found that yoga might be helpful for managing symptoms of PTSD. It works by increasing mindfulness and helping people feel grounded and safe in their body, as trauma can create a sense of detachment.

A 2017 review suggests that meditation and yoga are promising treatments for PTSD.

However, studies were small, and more research is needed.

New research areas

There is emerging research into other strategies that might be helpful for symptoms of PTSD. However, there is not enough evidence to support these techniques, and none of the substances below are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat PTSD.

More research into these techniques is needed.

Psychedelics

There’s a growing body of evidence in support of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, as in using controlled doses in a therapeutic setting. Research shows that MDMA and psilocybin from “magic mushrooms” might help treat symptoms of PTSD and depression.

Other psychedelics show promising results for PTSD as well, such as LSD and ayahuasca, though they are still in the early research stage.

Ketamine

A 2021 study explored the effectiveness of ketamine for treating PTSD. In the study, some participants were given repeated doses of ketamine intravenously (IV), while others were given midazolam — a benzodiazepine that acts as a sedative and is often given before medical procedures and surgery.

More participants responded to IV infusions of ketamine over 2 weeks than those given midazolam.

Video games

Among veterans, there is some research to suggest that playing video games can reduce symptoms of PTSD.

It may help with adaptive coping, well-being and confidence, and a sense of “brotherhood” and companionship.

Emotional freedom technique (EFT)

In this technique, a trained therapist can help you tap certain parts of your hands, head, face, and collarbones while reciting a “setup statement” related to the traumatic event. For example, “Even though I vividly recall the horror of the car accident, I deeply love and accept myself.”

In session, you will be asked to rate the intensity of the event on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most intense. As treatment progresses, the goal is to reduce the emotional charge around the event to a lower number by “tapping in” a new belief.

Research has shown that EFT tapping can help reduce anxiety, stress, and pain.

Self-care strategies

Recovery takes time, but having more tools in your toolkit certainly helps the process along. Here are some lifestyle adjustments you can make to support your treatment:

Educate yourself about PTSD.
Find a support group of people with PTSD.
Eat nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods.
Sleep at least 8 hours a night.
Talk about your triggers with loved ones.
Spend time outdoors.
Get physical exercise, like walking or swimming.
Create a consistent meditation or yoga practice.

Remember, you don’t have to do this all at once. Try making little changes at a time. Take it one day at a time. Every little bit helps.

Complications

Beyond the traditional symptoms of PTSD, the condition may lead to complications, especially if left untreated.

These include:

work difficulties
strained relationships
increased risk of heart problems
higher risk of chronic disease
chronic pain

Prolonged stress can also decrease immune system function, which can lead someone with PTSD to experience more frequent infections, like the cold and flu.

Coexisting conditions

Over the long term, PTSD may lead to changes in the structure of the brain, due to a decrease in size of the hippocampus — the part of the brain that helps regulate emotions and memory.

People who live with PTSD may also experience the following conditions:

anxiety
depression
substance use
personality disorder

Suicide prevention

If you’re considering self-harm or suicide, help is available right now:

Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org.
Text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 #1.

Living with PTSD

When you live with PTSD, every day can feel like a silent battle.

Life may suddenly be divided into two distinct chapters — before the trauma, and after it — and it’s difficult to put any of it into words.

Maybe you don’t quite feel like “you.” Perhaps you’re set off by little things, scared to do the activities you used to love, or unsure how to relate to people at home or work anymore.

Each of us responds differently to trauma, and no two experiences are alike. But when things feel out of sorts, something that can help us all is knowing that we’re not alone.

Even if the people around you don’t quite understand what you’re going through, there are people out there who do. Reading about other people’s journeys with PTSD may help you feel less isolated in your experience.

Here are some articles that can shed light on the different facets of PTSD:

Postpartum PTSD

Postpartum depression & post-traumatic stress disorder
Understanding PTSD and its effects on marriage

Relationship PTSD

How does PTSD Affect Relationships?
How PTSD, cPTSD, and BPD can impact relationships
Understanding relationship, sexual, and intimate betrayal as trauma
Domestic violence, PTSD, and triggers

Medical PTSD

Minimizing the risks of PTSD from the COVID-19 pandemic
cPTSD and eating disorders
PTSD and chronic pain

Resources and support

If you’re ready to find support, the Anxiety & Depression Association of America and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies can help you locate a mental health professional who specializes in trauma.

For inpatient services or treatment facilities, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSA) offers a Behavioral Health Services Locator.

The PTSD Coach app provides education about PTSD, a self-assessment tool, and tools to manage symptoms.

Other places where you can find support include:

AboutFace
Real Warriors
My HealtheVet
In Transition
Military OneSource, part of the U.S. Department of Defense network of support
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies

Helping someone with PTSD

If someone you love is living with PTSD, it’s natural to want to reach out and help. But when it comes to PTSD, it can be difficult to know how to support them.

If you think a loved one could be experiencing PTSD, there are ways you can offer support. The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers some helpful guides:

PTSD Help Guide
PTSD e-learning module
Veterans & Active Duty offers more information about veteran mental health
NAMI Homefront offers a free, six-session educational program for families, caregivers, and friends of military service members and veterans

Be sure to fill your own cup and seek out the support of a trusted friend or therapist.

Let’s recap

PTSD is a complex mental health condition, but it’s treatable with psychotherapy, medication, and complementary treatments.

All of us experience trauma differently, but that doesn’t mean you have to go through this alone. There are support groups, articles, apps, hotlines, and mental health professionals ready to support you at every step.

You can support your treatment efforts with a balanced, mindful lifestyle — get plenty of rest, try to exercise, and eat nutrient-dense foods.

As you navigate PTSD, be patient with yourself and your loved ones. Recovery time is different for everyone, but you’re well on your way already.

And finally, most importantly, there is always — always — hope.

Akiki TJ, et al. (2017). The association of PTSD symptom severity with localized hippocampus and amygdala abnormalities. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2470547017724069
Carras MC, et al. (2018). Connection, meaning, and distraction: A qualitative study of video game play and mental health recovery in veterans treated for mental and/or behavioral health problems. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30257787/
Church D, et al. (2018). Guidelines for the treatment of PTSD using clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316206
Decker KP, et al. (2019). Quantitatively improved treatment outcomes for combat-associated PTSD with adjunctive art therapy: Randomized controlled trial. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07421656.2018.1540822
Feder A, et a. (2021). A randomized controlled trial of repeated ketamine administration for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20050596?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
Gallegos AM, et al. (2018). Meditation and yoga for post-traumatic stress disorder: A meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5939561/
Holtzheimer P, et al. (2024). Clinician's guide to medications for ptsd. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/clinician_guide_meds.asp
Krediet E, et al. (2020). Reviewing the potential of psychedelics for the treatment of PTSD. https://academic.oup.com/ijnp/article/23/6/385/5805249
LaFrance EM, et al. (2020). Short and long-term effects of cannabis on symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032720306364
Posttraumatic stress disorder. (n.d.). https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder
PTSD: National center for PTSD. (n.d.). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp
PTSD treatments. (n.d.). https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments
Reiff CM, et al. (2020). Psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010035
Schouten KA, et al. (2017). Trauma-focused art therapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: A pilot study. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15299732.2018.150271
West J, et al. (2018). Trauma sensitive yoga as a complementary treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder: A qualitative descriptive analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5404814/
Wilson G, et al. (2018). The use of eye-movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating post-traumatic Stress Disorder—A systematic narrative review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5997931/
Zaccari B, et al. (2020). Yoga for veterans with PTSD: Cognitive functioning, mental health, and salivary cortisol. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-58802-001

This article originally appeared on PsychCentral. © 2025 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

More about Trauma