Traumatic events—such as a car accident, assault, military combat or natural disaster—can have lasting effects on a person’s mental health. While many people will have short term responses to life-threatening events, some will develop longer term symptoms that can lead to a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms often co-exist with other conditions such as substance use disorders, depression and anxiety. A comprehensive medical evaluation resulting in an individualized treatment plan is optimal.

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, often leading to lasting emotional, psychological, or physical effects. Trauma can result from a wide range of experiences, including but not limited to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, accidents, natural disasters, violence, loss, or significant life changes. It also includes systemic and interpersonal experiences such as racism, discrimination, and marginalization, which can create ongoing harm and stress. Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of their background, and its impact can vary depending on the individual’s resilience, support systems, and the nature of the event. Healing from trauma often requires time, support, and appropriate interventions tailored to the individual’s experiences.

About 4.1% of the U.S. adult population (over 8 million people) experiences PTSD. Both older and more recent research suggest that women are more likely to experience PTSD than men.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PTSD typically emerge within three months of experiencing or being exposed to a traumatic event. However, in some cases, symptoms may not surface until years later. A diagnosis of PTSD requires a thorough evaluation with a trained professional. According to the National Center for PTSD, PTSD symptoms generally fall into these four categories:

• Re-experiencing the traumatic event (also called intrusion), such as flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
• Avoidance of reminders related to the trauma, including people, places, or conversations
• Negative changes in mood and cognition, including emotional numbness, detachment from others, or difficulty experiencing positive emotions
• Hyperarousal (also known as being “keyed up”), which involves symptoms like irritability, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, and heightened startle response

Young children can also develop PTSD, and some of the symptoms are different from those of adults. Young children generally lack the ability to verbally express some aspects of their experience. Their behavior (such as clinging to parents) is often a better indicator of how they are doing than their words. Some children experience changes in their developmental trajectory, including slipping back into earlier behaviors (for example, a 4-year-old may begin having toileting accidents after having successfully completed potty training).

It is essential that a child be assessed by a professional who is skilled in the developmental responses to stressful events. A pediatrician or child mental health clinician can be a good start.

Additional Information

NAMI is the reference for information on this page. More information about PTSD, including diagnosis, treatment and support resources, can be found on the NAMI website at www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/posttraumatic-stress-disorder/.

If you or a family member is experiencing a mental health or an alcohol or other drug-related emergency, seek immediate assistance 24/7 from the 988 suicide & Crisis Lifeline via phone, text or chat. You can also text "Hello" or "Hola" to 741741.