Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing an event involving a threat to life, violence, war, disaster or another severe trauma. Intense distress after such an event is a natural response and does not necessarily mean that a person has PTSD. The condition is diagnosed when characteristic symptoms persist, cause significant distress and interfere with everyday life.
Main features of PTSD
- Re-experiencing the event: unwanted intrusive memories, nightmares or flashbacks during which the event may feel as though it is happening again.
- Avoidance: trying not to think or talk about the trauma and avoiding people, places, activities or situations that serve as reminders.
- A persistent sense of threat: heightened vigilance, tension, sleep and concentration difficulties, irritability, and an exaggerated response to sudden sounds or movements.
People may also experience guilt or detachment, low mood, emotional numbness and loss of interest in usual activities. Symptoms typically begin immediately after a traumatic event or within the first month, although in some people clinically significant symptoms become apparent later. During assessment, the clinician considers their duration and severity and how they affect family, social, educational or working life.
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Diagnosis of PTSD
A qualified professional makes the diagnosis after a clinical interview and symptom assessment. Questionnaires can support the assessment but do not replace a full consultation. The clinician also considers depression, anxiety disorders, sleep problems, substance use and other conditions that may require care.
Treatment of PTSD
The psychological treatments with the strongest evidence are trauma-focused interventions, particularly trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). They are delivered at a safe pace and can help a person process traumatic memories, reduce avoidance and restore everyday functioning.
Medication may form part of an individual treatment plan, particularly when symptoms are severe or depression or anxiety is also present. A clinician makes this decision after discussing the person's condition, potential benefits and risks, and their preferences.
PTSD can be treated even many years after the traumatic event. Support from trusted people, a stable routine, healthy sleep and avoiding harmful alcohol or substance use can complement professional care. Suicidal thoughts, inability to care for oneself or an immediate danger require urgent medical help.