Symptoms

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) refers to a psychological state where survivors experience prolonged effects of trauma--longer than one month--beyond the normal responses that diminish over time. Symptoms of PTSD might appear immediately after the traumatic event or might be delayed by weeks or months. According to the National Center for PTSD, the following four symptom types can signal PTSD:

• Reliving the event (also known as re-experiencing symptoms) in the form of bad memories, nightmares, and flashbacks
• Avoiding situations that remind you of the event
• Having more negative beliefs and feelings about the world or the self, including suicidal thoughts
• Feeling keyed up (also known as hyperarousal), edgy, or prone to angry outbursts

PTSD may be accompanied by other mental health issues; for example, individuals with PTSD may also be experiencing depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.