A diagnosis of PTSD is made when symptoms are present for more than one month and cause significant distress, or interfere with important areas of functioning, such as work, study, or family life. These symptoms can include:
A sense of reliving the traumatic event
- experiencing unwanted and distressing thoughts or images, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event.
- feeling as though the event is recurring, even when it is not.
Avoidance and numbing
- avoidance of people, places, thoughts, and activities associated with the traumatic event.
- feeling emotionally flat, losing interest in enjoyable activities, or feeling disconnected from friends and family.
Negative thoughts and mood
- persistent negative thoughts about self, others, and the world.
- distorted views about the causes and consequences of the event.
Feeling wound-up
- feeling irritable, angry, over-alert, or edgy.
- experiencing difficulties concentrating.
- experiencing difficulties getting to sleep or staying asleep.