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It’s common to feel scared or uneasy during and after a traumatic incident. These feelings stem from the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us detect and respond to potential threats. While many people will experience various reactions after trauma, most gradually recover. However, when distressing symptoms persist, a person may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Who Can Develop PTSD?
PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. It often appears in combat veterans and in those who have lived through or witnessed events like physical or sexual abuse, accidents, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, or other life-threatening situations. People with PTSD might feel stressed or unsafe even when the danger has passed.
Not everyone with PTSD has directly experienced a harmful event. Sometimes, just learning that a close friend or family member went through severe trauma can trigger PTSD.
Statistics from the National Center for PTSD (part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) suggest that around 6 out of every 100 people will develop PTSD at some point. Women are more likely than men to be affected. Biological elements, such as genetics, and certain aspects of a traumatic event can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms typically show up within three months of a traumatic event, though they can start later. A PTSD diagnosis requires symptoms to last more than a month and to significantly affect daily life—work, relationships, or regular activities—and not be caused by medication, substance use, or another condition.
People with PTSD can experience different courses of the disorder: Some recover within six months, while others deal with symptoms for a year or longer. Additionally, it’s not unusual for PTSD to coexist with other conditions like depression, substance misuse, or anxiety disorders.
It’s natural to have some reactions immediately after a life-threatening situation. A mental health professional—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker—can determine whether these symptoms meet the criteria for PTSD.
For an adult to be diagnosed with PTSD, they must exhibit the following for at least one month:
- At least one re-experiencing symptom
- At least one avoidance symptom
- At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
- At least two cognition and mood symptoms
Re-Experiencing Symptoms
- Flashbacks—reliving the event, sometimes with physical reactions like a racing heart or sweating
- Frequent, intrusive memories or dreams about the event
- Upsetting thoughts
- Physical signs of distress
Various triggers, such as specific words, objects, or situations reminiscent of the traumatic event, can prompt these symptoms.
Avoidance Symptoms
- Steering clear of places, situations, or objects that bring back memories of the trauma
- Avoiding thoughts or emotions related to the incident
These symptoms may result in lifestyle changes. For instance, someone who survived a severe car crash might refuse to travel by car afterward.
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms
- Being easily startled
- Feeling tense, guarded, or on edge
- Difficulty focusing
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Irritability and anger outbursts
- Engaging in risky or destructive behavior
These symptoms are often constant, potentially disrupting daily routines like eating, sleeping, and concentrating.
Cognition and Mood Symptoms
- Struggling to recall important parts of the traumatic event
- Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world
- Excessive self-blame or blaming others
- Strong negative emotions (fear, anger, guilt, or shame)
- Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Trouble experiencing positive emotions such as happiness or satisfaction
These issues can begin or intensify after the traumatic incident, leading individuals to feel detached from close friends or family.
How Do Children and Teens Respond to Trauma?
Young people can have intense responses to traumatic events, although their reactions might differ from adult symptoms.
In children under 6, signs can include:
- Bedwetting after having learned to use the toilet
- Losing the ability to speak or refusing to talk
- Acting out the frightening experience during play
- Becoming unusually clingy with a parent or caregiver
Older kids and teens often show symptoms similar to adults. They might also engage in disruptive or harmful behavior. Some feel guilt if they think they should have stopped the traumatic event, or they may dwell on revenge.
Why Some People Develop PTSD and Others Do Not
Not everyone exposed to trauma will develop PTSD. Many factors influence whether PTSD occurs, including:
Risk factors that can increase the chance of PTSD:
- Having gone through previous traumatic experiences (especially in childhood)
- Getting hurt or witnessing serious harm or death
- Feeling intense horror, helplessness, or extreme fear
- Lacking support from friends, family, or community after the event
- Facing additional difficulties after the incident (e.g., loss of a loved one, ongoing pain, job loss, or homelessness)
- Having a personal or family history of mental health or substance use issues
Resilience factors that help lower the risk of PTSD:
- Receiving emotional support from loved ones or support groups
- Finding a way to make peace with one’s actions during the traumatic incident
- Developing coping strategies to handle and learn from traumatic events
- Having resources or readiness to respond to frightening events, even when fear is present
By recognizing these risk and resilience factors, individuals and professionals can better understand and address PTSD, ensuring that those affected get the care and support they need.
