PTSD Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Basic Information
By Matthew Tull, PhD, About.com Guide to Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
Learn the basics of post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD). Information on the symptoms of PTSD, how PTSD is diagnosed, the risk factors for the diagnosis, and other difficulties that often co-occur with PTSD (such as depression, anxiety, and substance use) is presented here. In addition, information on PTSD in the military and the impact of PTSD on the family is provided.
- PTSD and the Military
- Anxiety Disorders and PTSD
- Other Disorders Associated with PTSD
- PTSD and Physical Health
What is PTSD?
Learn basic information on PTSD, including its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, myths, and how often it is seen in the general population.
Symptoms of PTSD
Many different symptoms make up a PTSD diagnosis. In addition, PTSD can often be associated with other psychological symptoms, such as guilt.
- An Overview of PTSD Symptoms
- Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Avoidance Symptoms
- Dissociation
- Emotional Avoidance
- Emotional Numbing Symptoms
What Causes PTSD?
Learn about the risk factors for and the types of traumatic events that often lead to the development of PTSD.
- An Overview of Traumatic Events Connected to PTSD
- Risk Factors for PTSD
- Reducing Risk for PTSD After a Traumatic Event
- Rates of PTSD Due to Sexual Assault
- Risk Factors For and Consequences of Sexual Assault
- Rates of PTSD Following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
- The Long-Term Effect of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks
- Rates of PTSD in Firefighters
- PTSD From Community Violence
- The Psychological Effects of Hurricane Katrina
- The Effect of Hurricane Katrina among People with Mental Illness
- The Psychological Impact of the 2004 Tsunami
- Preventing School Violence: What Has Been Done Since Columbine
- Anxiety Sensitivity and PTSD
The Diagnosis of PTSD
A number of specific criteria must be met in order to receive a diagnosis of PTSD. Get information here on how a person becomes diagnosed with PTSD.
- How is PTSD Diagnosed?
- The Diagnosis Procedure: What to Expect
- Who Should You Meet With About Your PTSD?
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders
PTSD and the Family
PTSD can have a major impact on the family. Get information on how PTSD may influence family members.
- PTSD in Children
- PTSD Among Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Parents
- The Effect of Trauma on Attachment
- Stress in Children of Iraq War Soldiers
- Risk for PTSD in Children After 9/11
- PTSD and Relationship Violence
PTSD and the Military
PTSD is quite common in military populations. Military soldiers are at heightened risk for PTSD due to combat exposure, and women in the military in particular may be at greater risk for sexual trauma.
- Overview of PTSD in the Military
- Information for Returning Veterans
- PTSD in Veterans From World War II On
- Consequences of Chronic PTSD in Vietnam Veterans
- PTSD in Veterans of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom
- Vulnerability for PTSD in Veterans
- Military Sexual Trauma
- Military Sexual Trauma and the Iraq War
- Military Sexual Trauma in Men
- PTSD and Anger among Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
- Physical Health of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
- The Relationship between a Veteran's Homecoming and Stress
- Smoking in Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
- Alcohol Abuse in Veterans
- Suicide in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom Veterans
- Suicide Hotline Just for Veterans
- Rehabilitation Program for Veterans with Alcohol and Drug Problems
- Resources for Returning Veterans
- The Real Warriors Campaign: A Resource for Veterans
- Self-Medication in Persian Gulf War Veterans
Anxiety Disorders and PTSD
Anxiety disorders commonly co-occur with PTSD. Learn more about the rates of anxiety disorders among people with PTSD.
- PTSD and other Anxiety Disorders
- PTSD and Panic Disorder
- PTSD and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- PTSD and Social Anxiety Disorder
- PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder
Other Disorders Associated with PTSD
Besides anxiety disorders, a number of other difficulties often co-occur with PTSD, including depression and substance use disorders. Conditions that are often associated with PTSD are described in more detail here.
- Consequences of PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder
- PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder
- PTSD and Deliberate Self-Harm
- PTSD and Depression
- PTSD and Dissociative Disorders
- PTSD and Drug and Alcohol Use
- PTSD and Psychotic Symptoms
- PTSD and Smoking
- PTSD and Suicide
- PTSD, Childhood Abuse, and Self-Harm in Adolescents
- PTSD, Trauma, and Eating Disorders
- Substance Use as Self-Medication
PTSD and Physical Health
People with PTSD have been found to be at greater risk for a number of physical health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. Learn more about the role of PTSD in these problems.
