Diseases
posttraumatic stress disorder
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Symptoms
- recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
- reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
- upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
- severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of
- trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Causes
- doctors aren't sure why some people get ptsd. as with most mental health problems, ptsd is probably caused by a complex mix of: stressful experiences, inherited mental health risks, and ...
- ... inherited features of your personality
Risk factors
- experiencing intense or long-lasting trauma
- having experienced other trauma earlier in life, such as childhood abuse
- having other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression
Diagnosis
- perform a physical exam
- use the criteria in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
- do a psychological evaluation
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is posttraumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
What are the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder?
recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks), upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event, severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of, trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
What causes posttraumatic stress disorder?
doctors aren't sure why some people get ptsd. as with most mental health problems, ptsd is probably caused by a complex mix of: stressful experiences, inherited mental health risks, and ...; ... inherited features of your personality
Which medicines are used for posttraumatic stress disorder?
fluvoxamine, sertraline
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