Overview of PTSD

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as military combat, physical or sexual assault, abuse, natural disasters, or serious accidents.

Unlike a normal stress reaction, PTSD symptoms persist over time and can significantly interfere with daily life, work, sleep, and relationships.

Who Can Be Affected?

PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or life experience.

Symptoms may develop:

• Immediately after the traumatic event

• Months later

• Or even years after the trauma occurred

Causes and Risk Factors

PTSD develops due to a combination of psychological, biological, and environmental factors, including:

• Type and severity of trauma (e.g., combat exposure, sexual assault, abuse)

• Prior trauma or pre-existing mental health conditions

• Limited social or emotional support

• Differences in brain chemistry or genetic vulnerability

Treatment Options for PTSD

PTSD is treatable. Even when trauma occurred long ago, recovery is possible with the right approach.

Psychotherapy

Evidence-based therapies for PTSD include:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

• Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Medications

Medications may help reduce PTSD symptoms and improve functioning, including:

• SSRIs (such as sertraline or paroxetine) — FDA-approved for PTSD

• SNRIs (such as venlafaxine)

• Prazosin — may help reduce trauma-related nightmares

• Additional medications when clinically indicated (e.g., mood stabilizers)

Medication decisions should be individualized and guided by a qualified healthcare provider.

Additional Supports

Supportive strategies may enhance recovery, including:

• Peer or professionally led support groups

• Mindfulness and grounding techniques

• Service animals, particularly for veterans

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms must persist for more than one month and fall into four main categories.

Intrusive Thoughts

• Flashbacks

• Nightmares

• Unwanted or distressing memories

• Emotional or physical distress when triggered

Avoidance

• Avoiding reminders of the trauma (people, places, situations)

• Avoiding thoughts or conversations about the event

Negative Changes in Mood or Thinking

• Persistent negative beliefs (“I’m broken,” “It was my fault”)

• Guilt, shame, or emotional numbness

• Feeling detached or isolated

• Loss of interest in life or activities

Hyperarousal and Reactivity

• Constant feeling of being on alert

• Sleep disturbances

• Irritability or angry outbursts

• Self-destructive behavior

• Being easily startled

Helpful Grounding Techniques

Grounding techniques can help manage flashbacks and intense anxiety.

5-4-3-2-1 Technique

Identify:

• 5 things you see

• 4 things you can touch

• 3 things you hear

• 2 things you smell

• 1 thing you taste

Deep Breathing

• Inhale for 4 seconds

• Hold for 4 seconds

• Exhale for 4 seconds

Grounding Objects

• Carry a small, comforting object to help remain present during distress