Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a psychiatric condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as combat, sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, or other life-threatening situations.

It's characterized by four main symptom clusters: intrusive memories (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance behaviors, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity (hypervigilance, being easily startled). PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than one month and cause significant distress or functional impairment.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses trauma can develop PTSD. About 6% of the U.S. population will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Risk is higher for:

• Combat veterans (11-20%)
• Sexual assault survivors (up to 50% of women)
• Those with previous trauma, especially childhood trauma
• People who lack social support after the event
• Those with pre-existing mental health conditions

However, the majority of people who experience trauma do NOT develop PTSD. Resilience is common.

It's completely normal to feel stressed, anxious, or have trouble sleeping after a traumatic event. Most people have some symptoms in the first few weeks—this is a normal stress response.

PTSD is different because:

• Symptoms persist beyond one month
• Symptoms don't improve on their own and may get worse
• The trauma is "re-experienced" as if it's happening now (flashbacks)
• There's significant avoidance that limits your life
• Symptoms interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning

PTSD is diagnosed by a mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker) through a clinical interview and assessment. There's no blood test or brain scan for PTSD.

Diagnosis is based on the DSM-5 criteria, which require exposure to trauma plus symptoms from four clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative cognition/mood, and arousal/reactivity. Symptoms must last more than one month and cause significant distress or impairment.

Common assessment tools include the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist) and CAPS-5 (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale).

Yes, many people with PTSD experience significant recovery and no longer meet diagnostic criteria after completing evidence-based treatment. Studies show that 53-80% of people who complete trauma-focused therapy (like CPT, PE, or EMDR) no longer have PTSD afterward.

While "cure" is a strong word in mental health, recovery is absolutely possible. Many people go on to live full, meaningful lives. Some may occasionally experience symptoms during stressful times, but can manage them effectively with skills learned in treatment.

Evidence-based treatments typically show significant improvement within 8-16 sessions (2-4 months) of weekly therapy:

• CPT: Usually 12 sessions
• Prolonged Exposure: Usually 8-15 sessions
• EMDR: Usually 6-12 sessions

Treatment duration varies based on trauma complexity, co-occurring conditions, and individual response. Some people with complex trauma may need longer treatment. The good news is that improvement often begins within the first few weeks.

Two medications are FDA-approved specifically for PTSD:

• Sertraline (Zoloft) — SSRI antidepressant
• Paroxetine (Paxil) — SSRI antidepressant

Other medications used off-label include venlafaxine (Effexor) and prazosin (for nightmares).

Important: Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin) are NOT recommended for PTSD and may actually worsen outcomes.

Medication is often most effective when combined with trauma-focused therapy. Talk to your prescriber about what's right for you.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy for PTSD. During EMDR, you briefly focus on traumatic memories while experiencing bilateral stimulation (usually side-to-side eye movements, but sometimes taps or sounds).

This appears to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they become less distressing. After EMDR, the memory remains but doesn't carry the same emotional charge.

EMDR is recognized by the WHO, APA, and VA as an effective PTSD treatment. It typically takes 6-12 sessions and may be a good option for people who are uncomfortable with extensive talking about their trauma.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a related condition that can develop from prolonged, repeated trauma, especially during childhood (such as ongoing abuse or neglect).

In addition to standard PTSD symptoms, C-PTSD includes:

• Difficulties with emotional regulation
• Persistent feelings of emptiness, shame, or worthlessness
• Problems with relationships and trust
• Changes in self-perception

C-PTSD is recognized in the ICD-11 but not yet in the DSM-5. Treatment may be similar but sometimes requires more time and focus on emotion regulation and relationship patterns.

Yes, children can develop PTSD. Symptoms may look different than in adults:

• Younger children may re-enact trauma through play
• Nightmares may not have recognizable trauma content
• Children may lose skills they had developed (like toilet training)
• They may become clingy or have separation anxiety

Effective treatments for children include Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), which involves both the child and caregivers. Early treatment can prevent long-term effects.

If you think you may have PTSD, here's how to get help:

• Crisis: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• Veterans: VA provides free PTSD treatment — 1-877-222-8387
• Primary care: Your doctor can screen and refer you
• Find a therapist: Look for one trained in CPT, PE, or EMDR
• Community mental health: Often offer sliding-scale fees

See our Resources page for more options.