PTSD can present in a variety of ways depending on what the trauma was and the severity of the trauma. Some of the symptoms are: Flashbacks or nightmares, hyper-vigilance, Sleep problems, poor concentration, phobias of people, places, smells or sounds, Difficulty remembering things/forgetfulness, emotional numbing. A person with PTSD will not necessarily have all of the symptoms. Also acute stress disorder presents itself very similarly to PTSD. If you feel that you are struggling with this you really need to see a professional about it. Finding a counselor that is a good fit with you can go a long ways in alleviating the symptoms.
Other common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anger and irritability Guilt, shame, or self-blame Substance abuse Feelings of mistrust and betrayal Depression and hopelessness Suicidal thoughts and feelings Feeling alienated and alone Physical aches and pains.
Previous answers have covered the major symptoms of PTSD, but it is worth knowing that a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cannot be made until three months after a traumatic event, and a key characteristic is the presence of flashbacks.
This is because it is normal for most people to react with distress to a trauma, and so it is only when symptoms become worse, or persist after three months has passed, that the response is then deemed abnormal and a diagnosis of PTSD is considered.
There are now more treatments for PTSD than there were even a decade ago, and it is becoming much better-known and understood than it was in the past - mainly due to the numbers of returning ex-servicemen who are being diagnosed with it.
Treatments vary, but are more successful the sooner they are started after the traumatic event - and the options range from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to E.M.D.R. (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Re-Processing) which is gaining more and more recognition as an effective treatment for PTSD.
As a result of the fact that PTSD is now so much better-recognised, and sufferers more willing to talk about their experiences, there are also many PTSD support groups online, which can be great sources of advice and information. Some of these are specifically for the armed services, but others help sufferers whose PTSD has been caused by forms of trauma other than war.
