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Trauma & Stress

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Also known as: PTSD

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Key takeaways

  • PTSD can follow a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, avoidance, and feeling on edge.
  • It is common and treatable — symptoms can ease with the right care.
  • Medication management plus trauma-focused therapy referrals help most people.
  • Seek help if distress lingers or interferes with daily life after a trauma.

What PTSD feels like

Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after living through or witnessing a traumatic event. People may relive it through flashbacks or nightmares, avoid reminders, and feel constantly on guard. These are understandable responses to overwhelming experiences, and they are treatable.

How psychiatric care helps

A psychiatric evaluation clarifies your symptoms and rules out other causes, and medication management can reduce nightmares, anxiety, and that on-edge feeling. We can also coordinate referrals to trauma-focused therapy for fuller recovery.

Sources: NIMH — PTSD, Mayo Clinic.

Signs & symptoms

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories
  • Nightmares or trouble sleeping
  • Avoiding reminders of the trauma
  • Feeling on edge or easily startled
  • Negative changes in mood or thinking

Causes & risk factors

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), PTSD can develop at any age after a traumatic event; not everyone who experiences trauma develops it.

Causes

  • Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event
  • Differences in the brain's stress and fear responses
  • Lack of support or added stress after the event

Risk factors

  • Experiencing intense or long-lasting trauma
  • A personal or family history of mental health conditions
  • Limited social support after a traumatic event

Possible complications

  • Depression, anxiety, or substance use
  • Sleep problems and ongoing distress
  • Difficulty with work and relationships

How it's diagnosed

  • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
  • Validated PTSD screening tools
  • Medical work-up to rule out other causes

Treatment options

ServiceWhat it's for
Medication ManagementCareful prescribing, monitoring, and adjustment of psychiatric medications to maximize benefit and minimize side effects.
Psychiatric EvaluationA thorough first assessment to understand your history and symptoms and build an accurate diagnosis and plan.

Prevention

  • Early support and care after a traumatic event
  • Strong social support
  • Prompt treatment when symptoms appear

When to seek help

If symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life, a psychiatric evaluation can help. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text988 now — free, 24/7. In an emergency, call 911.

Frequently asked questions

Is PTSD treatable?

Yes. PTSD is common and responds well to care. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management can ease symptoms, and we can coordinate therapy referrals too.

How long after trauma can PTSD appear?

Symptoms often begin within months of an event, but they can surface later. If distress lingers or interferes with daily life, a psychiatric evaluation can help.

Related conditions

Providers who treat this

Sources

Medically reviewed by Irine Achuamang, MSN, PMHNP-BC. Last reviewed June 30, 2026.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional care. In crisis? Call or text 988.

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