Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event such as serious injury, violence, or life-threatening danger. The experience may involve direct exposure, witnessing an event, or learning that a traumatic event occurred to a close contact.

Symptoms and Statistics

Symptoms often include intrusive memories or flashbacks, distressing dreams, and strong emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the event. Individuals may avoid thoughts, places, or people that trigger memories and can experience a sense of emotional numbness or detachment.

PTSD is recognized across many age groups and backgrounds. Not everyone exposed to trauma develops the condition, but it is relatively common among people who have experienced repeated violence, combat, disasters, or abuse. Awareness of its frequency has increased as more individuals and communities speak openly about trauma and mental health.

Treatment approaches for PTSD commonly include trauma-focused psychotherapy. Examples are cognitive-behavioral methods that address unhelpful thought patterns, exposure-based approaches that carefully work with traumatic memories, and therapies that emphasize building coping skills and restoring a sense of safety.

Medications may be used in some cases to help manage symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbance associated with PTSD. Treatment plans often combine psychotherapy, medication when appropriate, and support from family, peers, or community resources to improve overall functioning and quality of life.