Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by National Institute of Health - HTML preview

How do I know if I have PTSD?

Your doctor can help you find out. Call your doctor if you have any of these problems:

• Bad dreams
• Flashbacks, or feeling like the scary event is happening again
• Scary thoughts you can’t control
• Staying away from places and things that remind you
• of what happened
• Feeling worried, guilty, or sad
• Feeling alone
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling on edge
• Angry outbursts
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

Children who have PTSD may show other types of problems.

These can include:

• Behaving like they did when they were younger
• Being unable to talk
• Complaining of stomach problems or headaches a lot
• Refusing to go places or play with friends.

When does PTSD start?

PTSD starts at different times for different people. Signs of PTSD may start soon after a frightening event and then continue. Other people develop new or more severe signs months or even years later.

How can I get better?

PTSD can be treated. A doctor or mental health professional who has experience in treating people with PTSD can help you.

Treatment may include “talk” therapy, medication, or both. Treatment might take 6 to 12 weeks. For some people, it takes longer. Treatment is not the same for everyone. What works for you might not work for someone else.

Drinking alcohol or using other drugs will not help PTSD go away and may even make it worse.