Key Signs Of PTSD In Adults
Over 70% of adults living in the United States have experienced some type of traumatic event according to a study published by the National Library of Medicine. These can include traumatic situations like a car accident, an assault, a natural disaster, the sudden loss of a loved one, or another type of event dealing with extreme danger, harm, death, or shock.
Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event has the potential to lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Ongoing trauma such as war or abuse has the potential to cause a related type called complex PTSD, or c-PTSD. Both of these mental illnesses can manifest as a variety of symptoms related to cognition and mood that can cause distress and make day-to-day life very challenging. We’ll cover some of the most common here so you can understand when it may be time to seek professional support.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
Acute stress disorder vs. PTSD
It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD or need treatment. Even two people who experience the same event may react to it differently, as the reason people develop an illness like PTSD can also depend on genetics, availability of professional or social support after the event, and other factors.
In addition, it’s possible for a person to experience a different type of “trauma- and stressor-related disorder”—the category under which PTSD falls in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM—after a traumatic event besides PTSD or c-PTSD. One example is acute stress disorder. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, if symptoms of traumatic stress appear and last for less than a month, it could be acute stress disorder and not PTSD. If they persist beyond the one-month mark, a diagnosis of PTSD may be considered instead.
Key symptoms of PTSD in adults
There are more than a dozen potential, core PTSD symptoms in adults as outlined in the DSM-5. They may appear shortly after a traumatic event, months later, or even years later. These important aspects for the diagnosis of PTSD fall into three main categories:
- Having flashbacks, nightmares, or another mental re-experiencing symptom related to the traumatic event that can trigger the fight-or-flight response
- Feeling numb, experiencing avoidance symptoms related to things that remind you of the traumatic event, and feeling disassociated
- Experiencing increased mental and emotional arousal that can manifest as things like trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and angry outbursts
To potentially be classified as PTSD, one or more of the following symptoms of traumatic stress from this first category (flashbacks and nightmares) must be present:
- Spontaneously having recurrent, involuntary, distressing memories of the event that cause extreme fear and trigger the fight-or-flight response
- Having dreams that cause traumatic stress and trigger emotions related to the event
- Having flashbacks or other traumatic stress reactions where you feel like the traumatic event is recurring
- Feeling fear and experiencing intense distress for a prolonged period that affects your mental health
- Experiencing mental arousal and reactivity symptoms when something triggers a memory of the traumatic event
One or more PTSD signs from the second category (numbness and disassociation) must also be present:
- Not being able to remember significant details from the traumatic event
- Having persistent, negative, and exaggerated thoughts about yourself, others, or the world that prevent you from feeling happy or experiencing joy
- Continually fixating on blaming yourself or someone else for why the traumatic event occurred
- Having feelings of fear, horror, anger, shame, or guilt that persistently affect your mental health
- Not feeling up to participating in activities that you formerly enjoyed
- Feeling like you’re detached from others—even close friends and family
Finally, your mental health must also be affected by at least two signs from the third category (arousal and reactivity symptoms):
- Regularly feeling irritable or showing aggressive behavior
- Acting out in a reckless or self-destructive manner
- Feeling hypervigilant and on edge
- Being easily startled
- Having problems concentrating
- Not being able to fall asleep or experiencing restlessness in sleep
Note that people with PTSD—particularly when it’s untreated—may also be at increased risk of substance misuse, substance use disorder, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These potentially life-threatening symptoms are additional reasons why it’s generally important to seek treatment for symptoms right away.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.
Treatment for PTSD in adults per the Mental Health Services Administration
Therapy may help a person manage the results of a traumatic event (negative thoughts, avoidance symptoms, and other signs), develop a personalized coping strategy plan, and increase their emotional resilience factors. Examples of some forms of talk therapy that may be recommended for a person living with PTSD include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive processing therapy
- Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Prolonged exposure therapy
- Stress inoculation training
- Internal family systems therapy (IFS)
- Support groups
- Family therapy
- Sexual assault therapy
- Spiritual or faith-based therapy
- Attachment-based therapy
If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, c-PTSD, acute stress disorder, or another mental health condition or are otherwise looking for support in processing a traumatic experience, help is available. Symptoms of PTSD and related illnesses typically don’t go away without treatment, and trauma of any kind can be difficult to manage on your own. In cases like these, meeting with a mental health professional is recommended.
Support is available for those who have experienced a traumatic event
Locating a therapist to support you in addressing past trauma and/or symptoms of PTSD can be an arduous process. Dealing with insurance companies, calling therapy offices, spending time on a waitlist, and commuting to and from in-person appointments can seem daunting and make you feel stressed even more—especially to someone whose PTSD symptoms are interfering with their daily functioning. In cases like these, online therapy can represent a more convenient option.
With a platform like BetterHelp, you can fill out a brief questionnaire about your needs and preferences and get matched with a licensed therapist in a matter of days. You can then meet with them virtually from the comfort of home, and session costs are comparable to those of most insurance co-pays. Research suggests that online therapy can be an effective treatment for symptoms of PTSD, offering comparable outcomes to in-person therapy in many cases.
Takeaway
How do individuals cope with and manage the impact of trauma?
There can be many strategies to cope with and manage the impact of trauma. Attending therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional is often extremely beneficial, as it’s possible to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (a serious mental health condition) after experiencing trauma.
Specific signs of this disorder can include frightening dreams, flashbacks to distressing memories, and psychological effects like fear, anger, and shame. PTSD can develop after childhood abuse*, sexual violation, and witnessing actual or threatened death, among other traumatic events. It may be more likely that you’ll develop this disorder if you have a family history of it.
Individuals can also practice meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation strategies to manage the impact of trauma. Journaling, exercising, and generally taking care of oneself can be helpful, as can leaning on friends and family for support. Allowing time for healing can also be crucial, as moving on from trauma can be a lengthy and challenging process.
*If you or a loved one is witnessing or experiencing any form of abuse, please know that help is available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline anytime at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
How can a person with post-traumatic stress disorder help themselves?
A person with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may do their best to maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting plenty of sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and spending time with loved ones. Practicing relaxation exercises may also be helpful. It’s often recommended for those with PTSD to avoid consuming alcohol and other substances as well. Substance misuse can worsen ailments and usually isn’t a constructive or healthy coping method.
What should you do when your PTSD is triggered?
When you encounter a trigger, it may be helpful to remove yourself from the situation if possible. Taking deep breaths or doing other grounding exercises can help you manage feelings that arise. Reaching out to a friend or someone else who is part of your support system may also empower you to remain calm.
What healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms do people use to process their trauma?
Healthy coping mechanisms generally include strategies like the following:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Practicing relaxation and grounding exercises
- Spending time with loved ones
Meanwhile, unhealthy coping mechanisms can include those listed below:
- Isolation
- Self-harm
- Misuse of alcohol or other substances
How long does it take to recover from post-traumatic stress disorder?
The length of recovery from PTSD can vary depending on the person. It can be possible to recover within six months, but others may experience effects for a year or more. In general, seeking professional treatment can help you recover more quickly. Experiencing trauma, such as threatened death, can be very difficult to overcome on your own, and there’s no shame in seeking help.
What is the most effective way to treat someone with symptoms of PTSD?
Some of the most common forms of therapy for PTSD may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
- Present-centered therapy
Medication may also be prescribed in some instances. Never start, stop, or change the way you take medication without first consulting your doctor or psychiatrist.
How does PTSD affect a person's daily life?
Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect numerous aspects of a person’s day-to-day life. They may startle easily, have frequent nightmares, and experience difficulty concentrating and trusting others. A person with PTSD may also wish to avoid a variety of situations that they may associate with the traumatic events they’ve experienced; after a traumatic event, avoidance symptoms can be very common. PTSD can negatively impact a person’s work or school performance, as well as their interpersonal relationships.
Is post-traumatic stress disorder hard to overcome?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is often hard to overcome, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Many effective treatment options are available.
In some cases, untreated PTSD may worsen over time. It’s possible that a person with untreated PTSD may go on to experience suicidal thoughts and other concerning psychological effects. It may be especially important that a person living with post-traumatic stress disorder seeks help if they also have other mental health problems.
If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please know that help is available. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime, 24/7, at 988.
If you’d like to help someone with this disorder, it can be vital to exercise patience and compassion. Educating yourself on PTSD can be beneficial as well. Try to offer your support, learn about their triggers, and support them in any way you can. You might also encourage them to seek treatment.
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