In short
PTSD can develop after a traumatic event. Symptoms fall into four groups: reliving the event through memories, flashbacks or nightmares; avoiding reminders; negative changes in thoughts and mood; and feeling constantly on edge. When symptoms last more than a month and affect life, trauma-focused therapy is the most effective treatment.
On this page
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as an assault, accident, disaster, violence, war or sudden loss. Most people have strong reactions after trauma that ease over the following weeks. For some, symptoms persist and interfere with life. That’s PTSD.
PTSD symptoms
1. Reliving the event
- Unwanted, distressing memories
- Flashbacks, feeling as though it’s happening again
- Nightmares
- Strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders
2. Avoidance
- Avoiding thoughts, feelings or conversations about the event
- Avoiding people, places or activities that are reminders
3. Negative changes in thoughts and mood
- Ongoing fear, guilt, shame or anger
- Blaming yourself or others
- Feeling detached from people
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Difficulty feeling positive emotions
- Gaps in memory about the event
4. Feeling on edge
- Being easily startled
- Always being on guard
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Trouble sleeping and concentrating
- Risky or self-destructive behaviour
PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms have lasted more than a month and cause significant distress or difficulty.
Want to talk it through?
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
PTSD in women and men
Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD after trauma. The core symptoms are the same, but people can show them differently: some people experience more anxiety and low mood, while others show more anger, irritability or heavier drinking. Pain, headaches and gut symptoms are also common.
What helps
The Australian PTSD guidelines from Phoenix Australia recommend trauma-focused psychological therapy as the first treatment. These include:
- trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy
- cognitive processing therapy
- prolonged exposure
- eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
Medicines may be used when therapy isn’t available or alongside it. A GP can prepare a mental health treatment plan for access to Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions for eligible people. Veterans and their families can contact Open Arms.
When to get help
See a GP if symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks, or are affecting your relationships, work or sleep. If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Shalev A, Liberzon I, Marmar C. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(25):2459-2469.
- Phoenix Australia. Australian PTSD Guidelines.
- healthdirect. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Lifeline. Lifeline Australia.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.