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 Family
- PTSD and the Military
- Difficulties Often 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
- Emotional Numbing Symptoms
- Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Flashbacks
- Dissociation
- Guilt and Survivor Guilt
- Emotional Avoidance
- PTSD and the Brain: The Hippocampus
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 in Veterans
- PTSD in Veterans of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom
- Rates of PTSD Following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
- PTSD From Community Violence
- Acute Stress Disorder
- 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
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
- 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
- PTSD and Anger among Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
- Physical Health of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
Difficulties Often Associated with PTSD
A number of difficulties often co-occur with PTSD, including other anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorders. Conditions that are often associated with PTSD are described in more detail here.
- PTSD and Drug and Alcohol Use
- Substance Use as Self-Medication in PTSD
- Smoking and PTSD
- PTSD and Depression
- PTSD and Suicide
- PTSD and Other Anxiety Disorders
- PTSD and Panic Disorder
- PTSD and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- PTSD and Psychotic Symptoms
- PTSD and Dissociative Disorders
- PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder
- Consequences of PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder
- PTSD and Deliberate Self-Harm
- Childhood Abuse, PTSD, and Self-Harm in Adolescents
- Trauma, PTSD, and Eating Disorders
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.
