What are the symptoms of PTSD?
You can have symptoms right after the trauma or they can develop months, or even years, later. Your symptoms may include:
- Having flashbacks, nightmares, bad memories or hallucinations
- Trying not to think about the trauma or avoiding people who remind you of it
- Not being able to recall parts of the event
- Not interested in life events
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others
- Having trouble sleeping
- Being irritable, angry or jumpy
- Being hypervigilant
People with PTSD are often depressed. Sometimes they try to feel better by using alcohol or drugs. This can lead to substance abuse and addiction.
Bibliography
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Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 05/10
Created: 09/00