The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) usually develop immediately after the traumatic event. However, in some cases (less than 15%), the onset of symptoms may be delayed for weeks, months or years.
In PTSD, there are often periods of time when symptoms are reduced (symptom remission). These are followed by periods when symptoms increase. Some people with PTSD have symptoms that are severe and constant.
Most people who witness a traumatic event experience some of the symptoms of PTSD. The nature and severity of symptoms can vary widely between individuals. Some of the main symptoms associated with PTSD are described below.
Re-experiencing
If you have PTSD, you may frequently relive the traumatic event in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or repetitive and distressing images or sensations. However, some aspects of the traumatic event may be forgotten in time.
Avoidance
Constantly reliving a traumatic experience can be very upsetting. If you have PTSD, you may try to avoid circumstances, situations or people that remind you of the traumatic event. You may also refuse to discuss your experience with others.
Hypervigilance
If you have PTSD, you may find it very difficult to relax, and you may be anxious all the time. You may be hypervigilant (constantly aware) to threats, and be easily startled.
Irritability and angry outbursts are also common symptoms of PTSD. You may have sleeping problems, and find it difficult to concentrate.
Emotional numbing
Sometimes, people with PTSD deal with their feelings by trying not to feel anything at all. This is known as ‘emotional numbing’.
If you have PTSD, you may feel detached or isolated from others. You may also experience feelings of guilt.
People with PTSD often seem deep in thought (introspective) and withdrawn. They may give up activities and pastimes that they used to enjoy.
Other symptoms
Other common symptoms of PTSD include:
- depression, anxiety and phobias,
- drug or alcohol misuse, and
- unexplained physical symptoms, such as sweating, shaking, headaches, dizziness, chest pains and stomach upsets.
As with many mental health conditions, PTSD sometimes leads to the breakdown of relationships, and causes problems at work.
PTSD in Children
PTSD sometimes affects children who have witnessed a traumatic event, such as a road traffic accident. They may repeatedly re-enact the traumatic event through play, and they may have frightening and upsetting dreams.
Like adults, children with PTSD may lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy. They may also experience headaches and stomach aches.
