PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

Overview

Many people have strong reactions after trauma that fade. PTSD is when they last over a month and affect life.

Veterans can press 1 at 988 for the Veterans Crisis Line.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Feeling on edge
• Flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling on edge after something bad happened

Less common

• Avoiding reminders
• Trouble sleeping
• Anger

Look up a symptom: Brain fog or trouble concentrating · Flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling on edge after something bad happened · Low mood · Trouble sleeping · Worry or anxiety

When to get medical care

Causes

Trauma such as violence, war, accidents, or disasters.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Past trauma
• Little support

Possible complications

• Depression
• Alcohol or drug use disorder

Diagnosis

A mental health professional talks with you.

Questions you may be asked

• Sleep, mood, alcohol use

Treatment

Recovery is possible.

Self-care

• Talk with someone you trust
• Keep a routine
• Exercise and sleep
• Limit alcohol

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Therapies like CPT and prolonged exposure help most people.

Prevention

• Support after trauma

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a psychiatrist (for medicine) and a psychologist or licensed therapist (for talk therapy).

Living with it

• Keep a regular sleep, meal, and activity routine.
• Tell one trusted person how you're doing, and plan who to call on hard days.
• Limit alcohol and drugs. They often make symptoms worse.
• In a crisis, call or text 988 any time.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Free support groups and a helpline (1-800-950-6264) for people and families.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 any time for free, private support in a crisis.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Many mental health medicines are used safely in pregnancy. Stopping suddenly can cause a relapse.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Mood problems can start during or after pregnancy. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
• Encourage treatment, but don't force it unless they're in danger.
• If they talk about suicide, call or text 988 with them.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatment helps most people.

Myths and facts

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Which therapy fits me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)