Long-Term Symptoms of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by difficulty readjusting to everyday life after a traumatic event. Although it is often associated with veterans' wartime experiences, natural disasters and abuse can also lead to PTSD. Symptoms may not appear for months or years after the trauma, but seeking support immediately afterward can help reduce the chances of developing PTSD. For those who develop the disorder, long-term effects can be treated with medication, psychotherapy and continued support.

The Facts

• PTSD is an anxiety disorder that occurs after someone has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. According to the Mayo Clinic, these events often cause intense feelings of helplessness and fear. A brief period of adjustment usually follows such events, but some victims and witnesses have difficulty coping with the trauma for several months or years. Those whose lives have been completely disrupted by the traumatic event may have PTSD. Symptoms generally begin within three months but may not appear for years after the traumatic event.

Symptoms

• The Mayo Clinic suggests seeing a doctor if a trauma victim experiences the following symptoms for more than a month: changes in eating or sleeping patterns, sadness, anxiety, recurring thoughts or nightmares related to the event, and trouble focusing.

  According to the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (NCPTSD), people with the disorder may also begin to have alcohol and substance abuse problems as well as employment and relationship problems. They may experience intense feelings of hopelessness and shame. In some PTSD cases, physical symptoms may also be present.

Causes

• Researchers have not yet pinpointed exactly what causes some trauma victims to develop PTSD while others do not, but the NCPTSD lists six factors that may influence the disorder: the intensity of the trauma, the closeness to a person hurt or lost in the trauma, the proximity to the event, the strength of the victim's initial reaction, the level of helplessness felt during the trauma and the level of support sought immediately after the trauma.

Treatment

• The NCPTSD says those who develop PTSD often overcome the disorder, but approximately one in three sufferers will continue to experience some of the symptoms. Treatment can help all people with PTSD cope with work, relationships and everyday activities.

  According to the Mayo Clinic, several medications are available to help sufferers cope with their PTSD symptoms. These medications are often coupled with individual or group therapy to help the victim regain a sense of control. The clinic recommends seeking support immediately after a trauma, whether from friends and family or in a professional capacity. Doing so may prevent a normal traumatic reaction from worsening and becoming PTSD.

Support

• If you or a loved one may have post-traumatic stress disorder, the NCPTSD and the National Institute of Mental Health offer resources to help you further understand the disorder as well as point you in the right direction for finding help (see Resources section).