Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, involving intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and heightened arousal.

Overview

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to an actual or threatened traumatic event, such as serious injury, violence, or a life-threatening situation. Symptoms typically persist for more than a month and cause significant distress or impairment.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include intrusive memories or flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of trauma reminders, negative changes in mood or thinking, and heightened arousal such as being easily startled or having difficulty sleeping. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

PTSD is triggered by exposure to trauma, though not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Risk is associated with trauma severity, prior mental health history, degree of support after the event, and other individual factors.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and prolonged exposure therapy have evidence supporting their use.

Medication

Certain antidepressant medications are FDA-approved for PTSD and may be recommended, particularly when symptoms are significant or co-occurring depression is present. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.

Living With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Grounding techniques, consistent sleep, limiting avoidance where possible, and staying connected with supportive people can help alongside formal treatment.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

Many people with PTSD improve substantially with evidence-based treatment, though the course can vary and some symptoms may persist or recur under stress.

Related Conditions

Acute Stress Disorder

A condition involving intense stress symptoms occurring within the first month after exposure to a traumatic event.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)

A trauma-related condition, recognized in ICD-11, involving core PTSD symptoms along with disturbances in emotion regulation, self-concept, and relationships, typically following prolonged or repeated trauma.

Adjustment Disorder

An emotional or behavioral response to an identifiable stressor that is out of proportion to the stressor or causes significant impairment.

Prolonged Grief Disorder

A condition involving persistent, intense grief reactions that continue beyond expected cultural norms after the death of someone close, causing significant impairment.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institute of Mental Health.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.