Anxiety Disorder vs. PTSD

PTSD is post-traumatic stress disorder. It is one of fourteen disorders classified as anxiety disorders. The symptoms of PTSD are distinctly different from that of other anxiety disorders.

Symptoms of PTSD

• Symptoms of PTSD occur after experiencing a life-threatening trauma and may include re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or intrusive thoughts that result in great distress and physical upset. PTSD can also cause nightmares; avoidance of anything remotely related to the trauma; feeling detached; amnesia and feeling like you will not have a future. Sleep problems, irritability, anger, difficulty concentrating, overly cautious behavior and being easily startled are also symptoms of PTSD.

PTSD vs. Other Anxiety Disorders

• If your symptoms are not as severe as in PTSD or the trauma was not life-threatening, you might be diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder, which is not considered an anxiety disorder.

Acute Stress Disorder vs. PTSD

• If your symptoms resolve within a month of exposure to the stressor, you may have the anxiety disorder known as Acute Stress Disorder.

Intrusive Thoughts and PTSD

• If you have intrusive thoughts that feel inappropriate but are not related to a trauma, you may have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is another anxiety disorder.

Consult a Professional

• If you have PTSD or another anxiety disorder you may be able to get relief from treatment. If your are experiencing PTSD or anxiety related symptoms consult a medical or mental health professional.