Can PTSD develop years after a traumatic event?

Yes, delayed-onset PTSD can develop months or even years after the traumatic event, often triggered by a new stressor or life change that brings back trauma-related memories. This is one reason why the condition can be difficult to recognize initially.

Is PTSD only a military condition?

No, PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. While it is common among veterans, it also affects survivors of sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, childhood abuse, and other traumatic experiences.

Can children develop PTSD?

Yes, children and adolescents can develop PTSD. Their symptoms may differ from adults and can include re-enacting the trauma through play, regression to earlier behaviors (bedwetting, thumb sucking), increased separation anxiety, and new fears.

Mental HealthICD-10: F43.1About 6% of the US population will have PTSD at some point; approximately 12 million adults in any given year

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Also known as: PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress, Shell Shock (historical)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event such as combat, sexual assault, natural disaster, serious accident, or other life-threatening situations. Symptoms include intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in mood and thinking, and heightened arousal and reactivity. PTSD can develop at any age and affects approximately 6% of the US population at some point in their lives.

Symptoms

Intrusive, distressing memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event

Nightmares related to the trauma

Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to trauma reminders

Avoidance of places, people, or activities associated with the trauma

Emotional numbness or feeling detached from others

Negative changes in beliefs about self or the world

Difficulty experiencing positive emotions

Hypervigilance (being on constant alert for danger)

Exaggerated startle response

Difficulty sleeping and concentrating

Irritability or angry outbursts

Causes

Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence
Combat and military service
Childhood physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
Sexual assault or domestic violence
Severe accidents, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks

Risk Factors

Severity and duration of the traumatic event
Previous traumatic experiences, especially in childhood
Pre-existing mental health conditions (anxiety, depression)
Lack of social support after the trauma
Female sex (twice as likely to develop PTSD)
Family history of mental health disorders

Diagnosis

Clinical evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria (symptoms from each cluster lasting >1 month)
PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) and Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5)
Assessment for co-occurring conditions (depression, substance use, TBI)
Ruling out medical causes of symptoms

Treatment

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine — FDA-approved for PTSD)
Prazosin for trauma-related nightmares

Prevention

Early intervention after traumatic events (psychological first aid)
Strong social support networks
Resilience training for high-risk populations (military, first responders)
Prompt treatment of acute stress disorder

When to See a Doctor

Disturbing thoughts or memories of a traumatic event lasting more than a month
Symptoms interfering with work, relationships, or daily functioning
Using alcohol or drugs to cope with trauma-related symptoms
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Frequently Asked Questions

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