Post-traumatic stress disorder – PTSD symptoms.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition. More than 5.6% of people worldwide develop PTSD at least once in their lives. PTSD symptoms can significantly disrupt social and occupational functioning; some individuals may be unable to work, attend social events, or discuss certain topics because they are reminded of a traumatic event. Common PTSD symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, loss of interest, emotional numbness, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms may range from mild to severe. Sometimes, PTSD symptoms emerge suddenly and can impair functioning, particularly when triggered by reminders of the traumatic event. Everyday objects, topics, or gestures—seemingly harmless to others—may act as triggers for those who have experienced trauma.

This page discusses the DSM-5 PTSD symptoms that develop after experiencing a traumatic event and explains how they can affect a person.

At Barends Psychology Practice, we treat Post-traumatic stress disorder online and in person. Schedule your first, free session here.

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What Are PTSD Symptoms?

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can disrupt daily life and functioning. Reminders of a traumatic event may lead to social withdrawal, avoidance of specific places, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms typically develop after a traumatic or stressful event, such as:

A life-threatening event
(Threatened) sexual violence
(Threatened) serious injury

when someone experiences a traumatic event, witnesses it, learns that it happened to a close one, or after being exposed to aversive details of the traumatic event.

If you are interested in assessing your PTSD symptoms, complete the online PTSD questionnaire for insight. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment for (online) PTSD treatment.

PTSD symptoms do not always appear immediately after the traumatic event. In some cases, they develop after months or even years. Some symptoms may arise suddenly, while others develop gradually. Certain symptoms persist long-term, whereas others fluctuate over time. Triggers such as specific smells, locations, or encounters with particular people can reactivate symptoms.

If your PTSD symptoms last for at least four weeks, negatively impact your work and daily activities, and cause significant distress, you may have PTSD.

In case you have been struggling with PTSD symptoms for a long time, do not lose hope. Many individuals believe they must simply live with PTSD and that it is too late to recover—but this is not true. PTSD treatment is effective, whether the trauma occurred recently or 20 years ago. It is never too late to seek help and start healing.

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PTSD symptoms – Simplified Overview

PTSD symptoms - simplified - Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms – simplified.

PTSD manifests differently in each individual. Some people experience certain symptoms intensely and find them debilitating, while others may have the same symptoms with little impact on daily life. A PTSD diagnosis does not require experiencing all symptoms.

PTSD symptoms are generally categorized into four main types:

Intrusion.
Persistent Avoidance.
Negative alterations in cognitions and mood.
Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity.

PTSD symptoms – Intrusion

Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event. E.g. the inability to focus on work, because images of the robbery keep coming up.
Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s).
Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring.
Intense or prolonged psychological distress after being reminded of the traumatic event. E.g. experiencing a lot of anxiety right before you have to enter a vehicle after experiencing a bad car accident
Marked physiological reactions to reminders of the traumatic event.

Persistent Avoidance

Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the traumatic event. Numbing oneself with pills or alcohol in order to not feel anything related to the traumatic event.
Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the traumatic event. E.g. avoiding the location of the robbery.

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Negative alterations in cognitions and mood

Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event. E.g. the inability to remember certain parts of the sexual abuse.
Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world. E.g. ‘The world is an unsafe place’ could be a core belief people have after being robbed.
Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event. E.g. blaming oneself for being bullied in elementary school.
Persistent negative emotional state.
Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
Persistent inability to experience positive emotions, such as happiness.

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Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity

Hypervigilance E.g. the inability to focus on conversations, or persistently checking the surrounding area for possible danger.
Reckless or self-destructive behavior E.g. running red lights, abusing drugs and or alcohol.
Unprovoked irritable behavior and angry outbursts. E.g. being extremely angry when another car overtakes you.
Exaggerated startle response.
Problems with concentrations.
Sleep disturbance. E.g. trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

For the full diagnostic criteria of PTSD, please click here.