What Are the 17 Symptoms of PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that can develop after a person has been through a traumatic event. It affects millions of people around the world, from military veterans to survivors of abuse, accidents, or natural disasters. But how do you know if you or someone you love has PTSD?

In this article, we’ll explore what are the 17 symptoms of PTSD are and explain them in a simple way so that even a beginner can easily understand them. If you think you have PTSD, or if you just want to know more about it, this guide will give you some important information.

Understanding PTSD and Its Symptoms

Symptoms of PTSD are different from person to person, but 17 key symptoms are used by mental health professionals to diagnose PTSD. These symptoms are divided into four main groups:

• Intrusive Thoughts (Re-experiencing)
• Avoidance Behaviors
• Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood
• Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions (Arousal Symptoms)

Each category contains unique symptoms that doctors use to identify whether or not someone has PTSD. Now, let’s look at each of them one at a time.

Category 1: Intrusive Thoughts (Re-experiencing Symptoms)

PTSD sufferers frequently relive their trauma through thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks. These symptoms can be overwhelming and upsetting.

1. Distressing Memories of the Event

• The person continues to revisit the traumatic event in their mind even if they do not wish to.
• The memories may occur at unexpected times or may be triggered by events that are similar to the trauma.

2. Flashbacks (Feeling Like It’s Happening Again)

• A person might feel like they are back in the traumatic situation.
• Sometimes it can be so real that the person has no sense of what is going on around.

3. Nightmares About the Trauma

• Frequent bad dreams about the horrific incident.
• These can disrupt sleep and raise anxiety.

4. Severe Emotional Distress When Reminded of the Trauma

• Small things, such as a smell or song, can trigger traumatic memories.
• The person may experience extreme fear, sadness, or anger.

5. Physical Reactions to Triggers

• Some people get nausea, a beating heart, or perspiration when they are reminded of the trauma.

Category 2: Avoidance Behaviors

Those with PTSD will typically attempt to avoid anything that may act as a trigger for the trauma, and this can have an effect on their everyday lives and relationships.

6. Avoiding Thoughts and Feelings About the Trauma

• A person may avoid thinking or discussing what happened to him.
• They distract themselves through work, hobbies, or the use of substances.

7. Avoiding People, Places, or Activities That Bring Back Memories

• A person may decline to go to specific places or interact with specific people.
• Because people connect some activities to the trauma, they could quit performing them.

Category 3: Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood

PTSD alters how a person perceives himself, others, and the environment around them. These symptoms can result in depression and isolation.

8. Difficulty Remembering Parts of the Trauma

• It could be difficult for a person to remember important facts of the incident.
• This is the brain’s defense mechanism; it goes beyond simple amnesia.

9. Negative Thoughts About Oneself or the World

• They can think that they are worthless or that this world is completely dangerous.
• They think like, “I am a failure” or “I can’t trust anyone.” These symptoms are common.

10. Distorted Feelings of Guilt or Blame

• Some people blame themselves, responsible for the events, even when they weren’t at fault.
• Survivors may feel guilty for surviving when others did not.

11. Loss of Interest in Hobbies or Activities

• Activities that used to make people happy, like sports or interacting with others, no longer seem desirable.

12. Feeling Detached or Isolated from Others

• A person suffering from PTSD could feel as though no one understands them or that they don’t belong.
• They might distance themselves from friends and relatives.

13. Struggling to Feel Positive Emotions

• Joy, love, and excitement could seem far away or impossible.
• Some people feel emotionally numb.

Category 4: Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions (Arousal Symptoms)

This category focuses on the increased emotions and emotional responses that PTSD patients experience.

14. Being Easily Startled or Jumpy

• Sudden sounds or movements can trigger intense reactions.
• This is a result of their brain being on high alert all the time.

15. Trouble Sleeping

• A common cause of insomnia is a hyperactive mind or nightmares.

16. Difficulty Concentrating

• PTSD can make it difficult to concentrate on daily duties, jobs, or school.
• Fear and recollections from the past frequently consume the brain.

17. Irritability, Anger, or Aggressive Outbursts

• People may lose their temper easily or lash out without warning.
• They may feel angry for no apparent reason.

How to Recognize PTSD in Yourself or Others

If you or someone you love has experienced several of the following 17 symptoms, then it may be a sign of PTSD. While it is normal to feel stress following a traumatic event, PTSD symptoms last for more than a month and affect normal functioning.

Who Can Develop PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not just for soldiers; anyone who has experienced trauma can develop it, including:

• Accident survivors
• Victims of assault or abuse
• People who have experienced sudden loss
• Those who have witnessed violence or disasters

When to Seek Help?

If PTSD symptoms interfere with everyday life, it is important to seek help from a professional. Therapy, medication, and support groups can help a lot.

Conclusion

What are the 17 symptoms of PTSD? can assist people in identifying the illness in themselves or a loved one. Although PTSD can be difficult to manage, recovery is achievable with the correct care and support.

Consult a doctor if you or someone you know is having difficulties. There is assistance available, and you are not alone.

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