PTSD overview

Overview

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a mental health condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying, shocking, or dangerous event. It's like the mind's way of holding onto the trauma, causing intense fear, flashbacks, and nightmares long after the event is over.

PTSD is more common than many people think. In the UK, about 1 in 10 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. It is not a sign of weakness and can happen to anyone.

PTSD can affect anyone who has been through a traumatic event, such as military combat, a serious accident, physical or sexual assault, a natural disaster, or the sudden death of a loved one. It is more likely in people who have experienced repeated trauma or who lack a strong support system.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Reliving the traumatic event through unwanted, upsetting memories, flashbacks, or nightmares.
• Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of the trauma.
• Negative changes in thinking and mood, such as feeling numb, guilty, or detached from others.
• Being easily startled, always on guard, having trouble sleeping, or feeling irritable and angry.

Symptoms in children

• Bedwetting or losing previously learned skills.
• Reenacting the traumatic event through play or drawings.
• Being unusually clingy or frightened of new people or situations.
• Complaining of physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches.

Symptoms in older adults

• Feeling withdrawn or isolated.
• Increased use of alcohol or prescription medications to cope with sleep or mood problems.
• Confusion or memory problems that may be mistaken for dementia.
• Physical complaints like chronic pain or fatigue.

Causes

Main causes

• Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, violence, abuse, war, or natural disaster.
• Learning that a close friend or family member experienced a traumatic event.
• Repeated exposure to graphic details of traumatic events, such as in emergency services personnel.

Risk factors

• Having a history of previous trauma, especially in childhood.
• Lack of a strong support network of family and friends.
• Experiencing ongoing stress after the event, such as losing a home or job.
• Having a personal or family history of anxiety or depression.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If PTSD symptoms last more than a few weeks and are affecting your daily life.
• If you are avoiding important activities or relationships because of fear or distress.
• If you are using drugs or alcohol to cope with your feelings.

Diagnosis

A doctor or mental health professional will ask about your symptoms, how long you've had them, and how they affect your life. They will also ask about the traumatic event you experienced. Diagnosis is based on your answers and a set of criteria from medical guidelines.

Tests that may be done

• A detailed interview about your symptoms and history.
• Questionnaires that measure the severity of your PTSD symptoms.
• A physical exam to rule out other medical causes for your symptoms.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will talk with you in a private, safe environment. They may ask difficult questions about your trauma, but you are in control of how much you share. The goal is to understand your experience so they can recommend the best treatment.

Treatment

PTSD is treatable, and many people recover with the right support. Treatment usually involves talking therapies, sometimes with medication. The type of treatment depends on your symptoms, preferences, and personal situation. A healthcare professional can help you find the best approach.

Self-care at home

• Talk to someone you trust about how you feel.
• Try to keep a regular routine with sleep, meals, and exercise.
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can make symptoms worse.

Medical treatments

Talking therapies, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), are often the first line of treatment. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medications that help reduce symptoms like depression, anxiety, or poor sleep. These are not a cure, but they can make it easier to participate in therapy. Always follow your doctor's advice about any medication.

Living with this condition

Living with PTSD can be challenging, but small steps can make a big difference. Set realistic goals for each day, and be kind to yourself when you have bad days. Over time, treatment and support can help you regain a sense of control and safety.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a daily schedule to create structure and predictability.
• Limit exposure to news or social media that might trigger distress.
• Stay connected with people who understand and support you.
• Learn your triggers and have a plan to cope with them.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with regular meals can help stabilize your mood. Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga can reduce stress and improve sleep. Even short bouts of activity are beneficial.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

PTSD can affect your mood, relationships, and ability to work or enjoy life. You may feel angry, depressed, or anxious. It is common to withdraw from others. Seeking help and sticking with treatment can greatly improve your quality of life.

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent PTSD, especially after a traumatic event. However, early support after a trauma — such as talking to a counsellor or having a strong social network — may reduce the risk of developing full-blown PTSD. To date, there is no sure way to prevent it.

Screening programmes

Some healthcare settings, like military medical services or emergency departments, may screen for PTSD symptoms after a traumatic event. Ask your doctor if screening is appropriate for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Long-term depression or anxiety disorders.
• Problems with relationships, work, and social life.
• Increased risk of alcohol or drug misuse.
• Higher risk of other health problems, such as heart disease or chronic pain.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for PTSD is hopeful. With appropriate treatment — which often includes therapy and sometimes medication — many people recover fully. Even if some symptoms remain, you can learn to manage them and live a fulfilling life. Recovery takes time, but it is possible.

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