At San Jose Behavioral Health, we believe education is an important first step in the effort to manage PTSD. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and effects of PTSD can help you get the right type and level of care for yourself or a loved one.

Understanding PTSD

Learn About PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that could happen to anyone. PTSD may begin months after a traumatic incident has occurred and it is a natural response to an unnatural and stressful condition. PTSD may occur if a person experiences one trauma, repeated traumas, or even witnesses or hears about the severe traumas of others.

One key feature of this disorder is the persistent memories of the trauma where the emotions and anguish felt during the traumatic event can resurface suddenly. Common experiences among PTSD survivors include flashbacks or nightmares.

Individuals who have this condition often avoid situations, places, or people that would remind them of the traumatic event. There can be significant changes in an individual’s behavior, attitude, mood, and perception. In some cases, individuals who struggle with PTSD may have difficulty relaxing or sleeping and are easily irritated or angered. They also may find it difficult to feel happy or comfortable.

Posttraumatic stress disorder requires support and therapy. Inpatient treatment is a great way to benefit from a number of therapies and services that can heal PTSD. This condition is treatable, and with proper care, an individual can move on to a happier life.

Statistics

PTSD Statistics

In a given year, an estimated 3.5% of U.S. citizens struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder while 8.7% of individuals will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Risks can be higher with individuals whose professions expose them to harm, such as police, military, and firefighters. However, the highest PTSD rates (about 33% to 50%) come from rape survivors, individuals who joined the military, and those who survived genocide or captivity.

Causes & Risks

Causes and Risk Factors of PTSD

Certain risk factors can determine if an individual who experiences a traumatic event is likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder. These risk factors include:

Genetic factors: Genetic causes are linked to PTSD only if an individual has a family history of mental health disorders. Although PTSD is caused by traumatic experiences, a person’s genetics can affect whether he or she develops PTSD as a result of the traumatic experience.

Environmental factors: By definition, an environmental factor – a traumatic experience – is the catalyst for an individual to develop PTSD. Environmental influences such as poverty, ongoing chaos, and family or community violence can contribute to these risks.

Other Risk Factors:

Women report more symptoms of PTSD than men
Past experience or exposure to violence
Traumatic life and family events
Lack of support system
Traumatic experiences during childhood
Experiencing racism or generational trauma
Unstable mental health
Inability to cope with emotional or traumatic events
History or experience of physical abuse

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Traumatic events and resulting PTSD can have different effects on each individual, though common signs and symptoms of PTSD may include:

Re-experiencing symptoms

Having memories or flashbacks that feel as though the individual is reliving the traumatic experience
Constant dreams of traumatic events
Distress and intense reactions to incidents that remind that person of a traumatic event
Experiencing dissociation and feeling detached

Avoidance Symptoms

Wanting to avoid people, places, and situations that can bring up reminders of the traumatic incident even if these people, places, and situations were once important to that individual
Wanting to avoid emotions, memories, or thoughts that can cause distress or remind individuals of a traumatic experience

Hyperarousal Symptoms