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Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD): Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
PTSD Symptoms
Do you think you or a loved one may be experiencing PTSD symptoms? There are a number of different symptoms associated with PTSD. A description of these symptoms is provided here.
Axis I Disorders
Learn the definition of Axis I disorders.
Coping with Flashbacks
Many people with PTSD struggle in coping with flashbacks and dissociation. These symptoms can be unpredictable and difficult to manage. However, there are some things you can do to better manage these symptoms of PTSD.
Hypervigilance
Learn the definition of hypervigilance.
PTSD - An Overview
Learn general information on post-traumatic stress disorder, including its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and what treatments are available for the disorder.
How is PTSD Diagnosed?
Learn about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and the requirements for a PTSD diagnosis.
Reduce Stress by Breathing
Deep breathing can be an important coping skill to learn. It may sound silly, but many people do not breathe properly. Learning to breathe properly can do a lot to protect you from stress and anxiety.
Coping with Triggers
Learn how to identify and cope with PTSD triggers.
Brain Differences in PTSD
Researchers have begun to study the effect of PTSD on the brain. Certain parts of the brain of people with PTSD have been found to be different from those without PTSD. Learn more about how PTSD may impact the brain.
Risk-Taking
Learn the definition of risk-taking.
Complex PTSD
Learn what Complex PTSD is, as well as how it is different from PTSD.
In Vivo Exposure
Learn the definition of in vivo exposure.
PTSD and Depression
PTSD and depression commonly co-occur. Learn about depression and its connection with PTSD.
Dissociative Disorders
There is a definite link between dissociative disorders and PTSD. People who have experienced a traumatic event or have PTSD are more likely to also have a dissociative disorders. Learn more about the dissociative disorders and their relationship with trauma and PTSD.
PTSD and Psychosis
PTSD and psychotic symptoms can co-occur. People with PTSD sometimes experience symptoms of psychosis, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not really there (hallucinations). Learn more about the different types of psychotic symptoms commonly experienced among people with PTSD.
Effect of PTSD
The effect of PTSD can be far-reaching. People with a diagnosis of PTSD may experience a number of difficulties in their life, including mental health problems, physical health problems, and difficulties in relationships and at work. Learn more about the effect of PTSD in this article.
A Loved One's PTSD
Coping with PTSD in family members can be a very difficult thing to do. The effect of PTSD on family can be great and vice versa. The family can have a positive or negative impact on a loved one's PTSD. It is very important for family members to know the symptoms of PTSD and understand how they influence a loved one's behavior.
Coping with PTSD
Coping with PTSD in healthy ways is very important. PTSD can have a tremendous negative impact on a person's life. The distressing symptoms of PTSD can often lead people to use unhealthy ways of coping, such as alcohol or drug use. Learn more about some of the healthy ways of coping with PTSD symptoms.
PTSD from Vietnam
Many veterans have developed PTSD from the Vietnam War. Although some veterans were able to recover from their PTSD, others continue to experience PTSD-related problems to this day. Learn more about persistent PTSD in Vietnam veterans.
Medications for PTSD
A number of medications for PTSD exist. Learn about what medications may be useful for people with PTSD.
Hyperarousal
Learn the definition of hyperarousal as it relates to PTSD.
Managing Impulsive Behaviors
Learn some ways of managing unhealthy impulsive behaviors.
CBT PTSD Treatments
There are several commonly used cognitive behavioral treatments for PTSD. These include Exposure Therapy, Stress Management/Stress-Inoculation Training, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Learn about these different approaches to the treatment of PTSD here.
PTSD & BPD
PTSD and borderline personality disorder commonly co-occur. Likewise, people with borderline personality disorder often also have a diagnosis of PTSD. Learn about borderline personality disorder, as well as this co-occurrence here.
PTSD in Veterans
High rates of PTSD in veterans have been found. Rates of PTSD among Vietnam veterans, Persian Gulf War veterans, and Iraq War veterans are provided here.
Consequences of Rape
This article provides some information on symptoms or problems that may arise following a rape.
Coping with Anxiety
People with PTSD often struggle with frequent and intense symptoms of anxiety. These strong symptoms of anxiety often lead people with PTSD to rely on unhealthy ways of coping, such as through drug or alcohol use. Fortunately, there are a number of healthy ways of coping with anxiety that may help your anxiety go down in intensity, become less frequent, and/or become more tolerable.
Early Warning Signs
The severity of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms can change over time, and therefore, it is important to recognize PTSD early warning signs that may be an indication that your symptoms are getting worse. Learn how to identify and cope with these early warning signs in order to prevent a worsening of your PTSD.
OEF/OIF Definition
: An acronym that refers to the conflicts in Afganistan and Iraq. Specifically, OEF/OIF refers to "Operation
Acute Stress Disorder
Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD are very similar. Acute Stress Disorder describes the experience of PTSD-like symptoms immediately following a traumatic event. People with Acute Stress Disorder have been found to be at greater risk for eventually developing PTSD. Information on the symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder and its connection with PTSD is provided here.
Exposure Therapy for PTSD
Exposure therapy is a behavioral treatment for PTSD that has been found to be effective. Learn more about exposure therapy and different exposure therapy techniques that you might encounter depending on the symptoms you are experiencing.
PTSD and OCD
PTSD and OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder often co-occur. Studies have found that anywhere between 4% to 22% of people with PTSD also have a diagnosis of OCD. Learn more about the connection between trauma, PTSD, and OCD.
Sleep Problems in PTSD
Learn more about the types and causes of sleep problems that people with PTSD often experience.
PTSD and SAD
PTSD and social anxiety disorder (SAD) commonly co-occur. Learn more about the occurrence of SAD among people with PTSD, as well as what may explain why people with PTSD are likely to experience social anxiety.
Fight or Flight Syndrome
Everyone is going to encounter some kind of stressful or dangerous situation in their lifetime, and fortunately,
PTSD Treatment Overview
There are many treatments for PTSD. Learn about some of the treatments for PTSD that have been found to be effective in helping a person recover from PTSD.
PTSD and Anger
Anger is a common feeling among people with PTSD. Anger is a valid emotional experience, however, according to Seeking Safety (a treatment for PTSD and substance use), anger can be either constructive or destructive.
Distraction
Learn about distraction as a way of coping with emotions that are strong and uncomfortable.
Emotional Numbing Symptoms
Learn more about the emotional numbing symptoms of PTSD.
Managing Anger
Coping with anger can be a important skill, especially is you have PTSD. People with PTSD may experience
Mindfulness
Learn some different mindfulness that may help you better manage your stress and anxiety.
Self-Soothing
It is important to develop ways of coping with stress that you can do on your own. Learn more about some coping strategies that may be effective in managing your emotinoal distress.
PTSD and Bipolar Disorder
Learn more about the effect PTSD can have on people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Traumatic Events and PTSD
The experience of trauma and PTSD go hand-in-hand. There are a number of traumatic events connected to PTSD. What events are most commonly linked with the development of PTSD? A variety of traumatic events are reviewed, as well as the extent with which they eventually lead to PTSD.
A Quick Mindfulness Exercise
Mindfulness for PTSD may be an excellent way of coping with stress and anxiety. Here you can learn about a mindfulness exercise that is quick and can be done anywhere by anyone.
Bullying
Learn more about the consequences of bullying.
Dissociation
Learn the definition of dissociation.
PTSD Myths
PTSD facts and fiction are often hard to tell apart. People have a lot of questions about PTSD, and there are a lot of myths surrounding the diagnosis. Learn the facts of PTSD.
PTSD and Violence
There are links between trauma, PTSD, and domestic violence, for both men and women. Learn more about how trauma, PTSD, and relationship violence are connected.
PTSD and Anxiety Disorders
There is a strong relationship between PTSD and anxiety disorders. People with PTSD are more likely to also have other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Learn about these other anxiety disorders and the extent with which they co-occur with PTSD.
Trauma and Panic
PTSD and panic disorder commonly co-occur. In fact, people who have experienced a traumatic event or have PTSD have been found to be at greater risk for the experience of panic attacks and the development of panic disorder. Learn more about the relationship between the experience of trauma, PTSD, and panic disorder here.
Psychodynamic Treatment
Learn about the psychodynamic treatment of PTSD.
PTSD and Alcohol/Drug Use
PTSD and drug and alcohol use often go hand-in-hand. Rates of alcohol and drug use among people with PTSD are reviewed, along with reasons why people with PTSD may be at greater risk for these problems.
Changes to PTSD in DSM-5
Learn more about the proposed changes that will be made to the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis in the DSM-V.
Caregiver Burden
The impact of PTSD can reach far beyond the individual with PTSD, affecting the lives of friends and
Emotional Avoidance
PTSD and emotional avoidance go hand-in-hand. Many people with PTSD try to avoid their emotions. While this may be effective in the short-run, in the long-run, emotional avoidance can cause a number of problems. Learn more about emotional avoidance in PTSD.
Impact of 2004 Tsunami
In 2004, a tsunami caused tremendous destruction throughout regions of South Asia and East Africa. This destruction was particularly great in Sri Lanka, and the people of Sri Lanka continue to experience a number of psychological difficulties as a result of this traumatic event. Learn more about the psychological impact of the 2004 tsunami.
Emotional Awareness
People with PTSD may have emotions that feel out-of-control and unpredictable. As a result, they can be very difficult to manage. Learning how to identify exactly what you are feeling in the moment can make it easier to respond to them in a healthy and effective way.
Mindfulness Basics
Learn more about what mindfulness is and how you can practice mindfulness throughout the day.
Managing Your Emotions
If you have PTSD, you may find that you sometimes have difficulty managing your emotions. Learn some healthy emotion regulation strategies here.
Problem-Solving
The symptoms of PTSD can interfere with coping; therefore, if you have PTSD, it may be important to learn effective ways of problem-solving. Learn the five steps in effective problem-solving.
Cognitive-Behavioral Coping Strategies
Cognitive-behavioral coping strategies can be effective for addressing a wide range of symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and unpleasant thoughts. Learn more about some common cognitive-behavioral coping strategies in this article.
DSM-IV
Learn the definition for the term DSM-IV.
The Diagnosis Procedure
Many people do not know about the procedures involved in being diagnosed with PTSD. A mental health professional will often conduct an interview with you to determine whether or not you meet criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. Learn about what to expect during this interview.
Sexual Problems in Veterans
In addition to mental and physical health problems, sexual problems in veterans with PTSD are also common. Learn more about sexual problems in Vietnam and Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans with PTSD.
PTSD Prevalence
PTSD rates are not the same for everyone. An overview of prevalence rates for PTSD based on age, sex, and marital status is provided here.
Fight or Flight Response
Learn the definition of the fight or flight response.
Impulsive Behavior Definition
Learn what an impulsive behavior is.
Protective Factor Definition
Learn what a protective factor is.
CBT and PTSD
Cognitive behavior therapy is often used to help people with their PTSD, as well as a number of other psychological problems. So what exactly is cognitive-behavioral therapy? Learn what cognitive-behavioral therapy is and how it may be useful for the treatment of PTSD.
Secondary Emotions
People with PTSD often experience strong emotional reactions. For example, a person with PTSD may experience
Avoidance Symptoms
Learn about the avoidance symptoms of PTSD.
What Is Delayed Onset PTSD
Learn more about delayed-onset PTSD and why it may occur.
Stress Inoculation Training
Learn what stress inoculation training refers to.
PTSD Risk Factors
There are a number of factors that can increase risk for PTSD. After experiencing a traumatic event, not everyone will eventually develop PTSD. Learn about some common risk factors for PTSD that have been identified.
Doing a Chain Analysis
Learn how to do a chain analysis to change problem behaviors.
PTSD and Schizophrenia
PTSD and schizophrenia have been found to co-occur. Some people question how successfully PTSD can be treated when symptoms of schizophrenia are also present. Learn more about the relationship between PTSD and schizophrenia, as well as the treatment of this co-occurrence.
PTSD and the Iraq War
High rates of PTSD in Iraq War veterans are being seen, as well as a number of other difficulties, including alcohol and drug use, and depression. Learn about a recent study that examines rates of PTSD and use of mental health services among returning Iraq War service members.
Flashback
Learn the definition of a flashback.
PTSD and Guilt
PTSD and guilt commonly co-occur. Learn about the relationship between trauma, PTSD, and guilt, as well as how this guilt can be addressed in treatment.
Unhealthy Thoughts
Coping with thoughts that are upsetting can be an important skill to have because how you evaluate and think can affect your mood. Learn how to identify and address unhealthy thoughts, and in doing so, improve your mood.
Rates of PTSD in Firefighters
Firefighters frequently encounter potentially traumatic events, and therefore, high rates of PTSD in firefighters have been found. Learn more about rates of, as well as risk factors for, PTSD in firefighters.
Overcoming Trauma
It is important to understand what factors may increase the likelihood of overcoming trauma. There is a lot of research on who is more at risk for developing PTSD. However, less is known about what factors differentiate those people who are and are not able to overcome and recover from a traumatic experience. Learn about some of the characteristics that have been connected to recovery.
Mindfulness and Thoughts
Learn how to be more mindful of your thoughts through this simple exercise.
Managing PTSD Symptoms
PTSD symptoms can be very intense and difficult to manage. However, there are specific coping skills that can be used to help you better manage your PTSD symptoms. An overview of these strategies are presented in this article.
The Effect of BPD and PTSD
PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) have been found to commonly co-occur, and the co-occurrence of these disorders often is associated with more physical and psychological problems, including suicide, anxiety, and depression. Learn more about the consequences associated with BPD-PTSD co-occurrence here.
Treatment for Nightmares
Learn more about imagery rehearsal treatment for nightmares related to PTSD.
Primary Emotions Definition
Learn the definition of primary emotions.
Hippocampus Definition
Learn what function the hippocampus serves in the brain.
Emotion Regulation in PTSD
People with PTSD experience intense and frequent unpleasant emotions, such as anger, sadness, and fear. As a result, these emotions might be very difficult to manage. Learn more about the specific difficulties people with PTSD experience in managing their emotions.
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behavioral treatment that has been found to be effective for a variety of psychological disorders. There is also evidence that using ACT for PTSD may be successful too. Learn more about this treatment and its potential benefits for people with PTSD.
DSH and PTSD
PTSD and self-injury, such as cutting, co-occur more than you may think. Individuals with PTSD may be more likely to engage in deliberate self-harm behaviors, such as cutting or burning oneself. Learn about the connection between deliberate self-harm and PTSD.
PTSD and Eating Disorders
PTSD and eating disorders commonly co-occur. People with PTSD have been found to more likely to also have an eating disorder than those without PTSD. Learn more about the connection between PTSD and eating disorders.
PTSD and Impulsivity
There is a strong connection between PTSD and impulsive behaviors, such as alcohol use, binging and purging, deliberate self-harm, and suicide. Learn more about the relationship between PTSD and various impulsive behaviors, as well as what you can do to cope with these behaviors, in this article.
Find a Therapist
Many people with PTSD may desire treatment but not know how to find a therapist in their area that treats PTSD. Finding a therapist can be an overwhelming task if you do not know where to look. Fortunately, several websites provide search engines that can help you find mental health providers in your area that treat PTSD.
Virtual Reality Exposure
Virtual reality exposure therapy is being tested by some clinicians to see if can be useful in helping people recover from PTSD. Learn more about virtual reality exposure therapy for PTSD here.
Defense Mechanism
Learn the definition of defense mechanism.
PTSD and Pain
It is common for PTSD and pain to co-occur. Learn more about the connection between PTSD and the experience of pain.
Managing Intense Emotions in PTSD
When people have PTSD, they are likely going to experience very intense emotions, and managing these intense emotions can be a very difficult thing to do. But it's an important thing to do, as these emotions can lead to unhealthy and impulsive behaviors, such as substance use and deliberate self-harm. This article provides an overview of different ways of managing intense emotions when you have PTSD.
Early Intervention for Rape
Women who are raped are at high risk to develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the early treatment for PTSD for women who have been raped may be helpful in reducing the likelihood that the disorder develops. You can read about one such early intervention here.
Group Therapy
Learn more about the benefits of group therapy for PTSD in this article.
Coping with Suicidal Thoughts
Many people with PTSD have experienced suicidal thoughts. When you experience suicidal thoughts, it is important to address them immediately. Learn some ways to cope with these thoughts.
PTSD and Suicide
Connections between PTSD and suicide have been found. People who have experienced a traumatic event may be more likely to attempt suicide. Learn about the connection between trauma, PTSD, and suicide, as well as what you can do if you feel suicidal.
Obsessions
Learn the definition of obsessions.
Behavioral Activation
Learn the definition of behavioral activation
Coping with Sleep Problems
Many people with PTSD experience sleep problems. This article presents some tips on how to improve your sleep.
Get More Active in Your Life
When people feel down, they may be less likely to do the things they enjoy in life or lose track of their goals, and therefore, it is important to learn how to be more active. Behavioral activation is a simple way of getting back in touch with those things you find enjoyable and pleasurable.
Imaginal Exposure
Learn the definition of imaginal exposure.
Military PTSD Overview
There is a lot of information out there on PTSD and the military. In fact, the diagnosis of PTSD originated from observations of the emotional impact of combat exposure on soldiers. Learn all you need to know about PTSD and the military.
Re-experiencing
Learn the definition of re-experiencing as it relates to PTSD.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Using relaxation, especially progressive muscle relaxation, can be a very effective way of reducing stress and anxiety. Learn how to do progressive muscle relaxation here.
Grounding
Learn the definition of grounding.
Chain Analysis
Learn the definition of chain analysis.
EMDR
Learn the definition of EMDR.
Sleep Apnea in PTSD
Sleep problems are very common among people with PTSD, and one reason for this may be due to sleep apnea. One study found that soldiers with combat-related PTSD exhibited high rates of sleep problems, including sleep apnea. Learn more about this study, as well as sleep apnea in general in this article.
PTSD and Psychotic Symptoms
PTSD and psychotic symptoms have been found to be related. There is some evidence that people with PTSD may be at higher risk than those without PTSD to develop symptoms of psychotic disorders. This article provides some background on psychotic disorders, as well as the relationship between PTSD and psychotic symptoms.
Coping with Upsetting Thoughts
It is important for the person with PTSD to learn ways of coping with upsetting thoughts and memories as people with PTSD often experience upsetting thoughts and memories about their traumatic event. Learn a number of different ways of coping with upsetting thoughts and memories in this article.
Developing a Safety Plan
If you have PTSD, then you know that you can experience PTSD symptoms at any time. Therefore, it is important to have a safety plan in place in order to respond quickly and effectively when these PTSD symptoms occur.
PTSD Treatment
PTSD can have a major impact on a person's life; however, fortunately, there are a number of different types of treatments that have been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD. Learn more about these different treatments here.
PTSD at Work
Coping with PTSD at work can be a very difficult experience. This article presents some tips that may help you better manage your PTSD symptoms during your work day.
Information on Emotions
Our emotions may feel very unpleasant and unpredictable at times; however, they are necessary and serve very important functions. Learn more about the function of emotions in this article.
TF-CBT
Learn more about Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children with PTSD.
PTSD and GAD
PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder commonly co-occur. Learn more about the relationship between PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder.
Self-Monitor
Using self-monitoring for PTSD can be an important skill. It can increase your awareness of situations that bring about unpleasant and upsetting thoughts and feelings such as anxiety. The first step in addressing these thoughts and feelings is being aware of what situations bring them up. Self-monitoring can help with that.
Complicated Grief
Learn the definition of complicated grief.
Writing
Using journaling to cope with and express your feelings and thoughts (or expressive writing) can be a healthy way of coping with your PTSD. Learn how to cope with your PTSD through writing.
Anger in PTSD
Anger is a common symptom of PTSD. In fact, it is considered one of the hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD. Learn more about anger and aggressive behavior in PTSD, as well as ways of coping with anger if you have PTSD.
Stigma
Learn the definition of stigma.
Personality Disorders
Learn the definition of personality disorders.
PTSD and Headaches
There is some evidence that PTSD and headaches commonly co-occur. Learn more about why this may be, as well as ways of coping with headaches.
Informal Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be a very useful skill to learn for managing PTSD symptoms and anxiety in general. This article presents some ways that you can bring mindfulness to your everyday activities.
emotional avoidance definition
Find out the definition of emotion avoidance here.
Caregiver Burden Definition
Learn what caregiver burden is.
Foreshortened Future
A sense of a foreshortened future is considered to be an avoidance symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Learn ways of coping with this particular symptom of PTSD.
Is There a Cure for PTSD?
When people seek out treatment for PTSD, they often wonder if treatment will be a cure for PTSD. This article addresses the question of whether or not PTSD can be cured.
Seeking out Support
Finding support from other people can greatly benefit the person with PTSD. However, in seeking out and establishing social support, there are certain qualities to look for. Learn about some of these qualities here.
BPD and PTSD Treatment
PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder often co-occur, and having BPD may interfere with treatment for another disorder. Learn more about how BPD may influence treatment for PTSD.
Purpose Anxiety
Learn more about why we have anxiety and what it does for us.
Fear Hierarchy
Learn the definition of fear hierarchy.
Sexual Assault Risk Factors
It is common for people to develop PTSD from rape or some other type of sexual assault. Learn about what factors are connected with a greater likelihood of experiencing a sexual assault, as well as for the development of PTSD following a sexual assault.
Self-Medication in PTSD
PTSD and substance use commonly co-occur, and it has been proposed that people with PTSD are more likely to use substances because they are seeking a way to self-medicate distress associated with their PTSD symptoms. Learn more about the relationship between PTSD and substance use, as well as treatments for these conditions.
PTSD and IBS
Several studies have found that people with PTSD may be more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome. Learn more about the connection between these two conditions and what can be done.
Public Speaking Fears
Many people with PTSD experience social anxiety, such as fears of public speaking. These fears can have a huge impact on a person's level of success at work or at school. However, these fears can be overcome. This article presents some tips that may help address your public speaking fears.
Substance Abuse
Learn the definition of substance abuse.
PTSD and Health
People with PTSD may be at risk for a number of physical health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, migraines, and pain. Learn more about the relationship between PTSD and physical health problems.
Monitor Your Emotions
Learn how to monitor your emotions in order to increase your emotional awareness and determine what coping skills are working best for you.
BPD definition
Learn the definition of Borderline Personality Disorder
PTSD and AVPD
Learn more about the association between PTSD and Avoidant Personality Disorder.
Hypnosis and PTSD
How effective is hypnosis in treating PTSD? Learn the answer to this question here.
Interoceptive Exposure
Learn the definition of interoceptive exposure.

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