This article was published on June 29, 2022.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric or mental disorder that occurs in some people who have either experienced or witnessed a very traumatic event.
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (2013) elaborates on the kinds of traumatic events that may lead to the development of PTSD. Each of these may be either actual OR threatened.
1. Death, (for example, in war, in a natural disaster)
Note: In diagnosing PTSD, a life-threatening illness is not necessarily considered a traumatic event.
2. Sexual violence (for example, forced sexual penetration, sexual penetration while intoxicated, sexual abuse with or without physical contact)
Note: For children, developmentally inappropriate sexual experiences even without physical violence may constitute sexual violence.
3. Serious injury (for example, severe physical abuse as a child, being physically assaulted, severe motor vehicle accidents)
Note: A serious medical incident is not necessarily considered a traumatic incident. Only sudden, catastrophic medical events are considered traumatic events, for example, waking during surgery, anaphylactic shock.
Sources of reliable information about PTSD
A variety of reputable sources provide basic education about PTSD for patients and their loved ones. Here are some of them:
What is posttraumatic stress disorder? (American Psychiatric Association)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (Medlineplus.gov)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (National Institute of Mental Health)
National Center for PTSD.
YouTube playlist of the National Center for PTSD (see screenshot below)
Related Pages
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Four types of symptoms are present in PTSD
Not all trauma is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What is nightmare disorder and why is it important?
Share reliable sources for education about PTSD
Encourage screening for possible post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Treatment
PTSD-associated nightmares: Menu of treatment options
Does prazosin work for PTSD? If so, for which symptoms?
How exactly should we dose prazosin in PTSD?
(Relative) contraindications to prazosin for PTSD-associated nightmares
Warning! Prazosin can lead to hypotension/ syncope after the first dose
Practice guidelines for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Other
What can we do to support “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month”?
References
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
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