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PTSD Symptoms and Treatment

Nearly 7 percent of U.S. adults who have survived combat, physical abuse or neglect develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Stress and exposure to situations that resemble the traumatic experience can trigger symptoms. Counseling and medications can help people manage their PTSD.

  1. Re-experiencing Trauma

    • People with PTSD have vivid dreams about the traumatic event and sharp memories that make them sweat and set their hearts racing. These flashbacks can cause the person to lose focus on present situations and act out physically.

    Avoidance

    • Many symptoms and complication of PTSD resemble those of depression. PTSD can lead people to abuse alcohol and drugs and become emotionally numb, socially withdrawn, guilty and irritable and angry.

    Hyperarousal

    • PTSD can cause people to feel constantly on guard, startle easily and sleep poorly.

    Psychological Therapy

    • Discussing the traumatic event in one-on-one or group settings can help many PTSD patients. Guided exposure to stressful situations and receiving education about how to put memories and emotions into context can also benefit those suffering from this affliction.

    Medications

    • Paroxetine (e.g., Paxil from GlaxoSmithKline) and setraline (e.g., Zoloft from Pfizer) have U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved indications for treating PTSD. Patients may also receive other types of antidepressants, benzodiazapines to reduce hyperarousal and help with sleeping, or prasozin (e.g., Minipress from Pfizer) antipsychotic medications to prevent flashbacks.

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