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· Psychiatry
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder · Reliving trauma
Re-experiencing a trauma through flashbacks, nightmares and hyper-arousal. Trauma-focused therapy is the most effective treatment.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Higher in survivors of trauma
- Typical age
- Any age
- Outlook
- Highly treatable
- System
- Mind
Reviewed by a verified Psychiatry doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Combat, accidents, assault
- Childhood abuse
- Natural disasters
- Severe medical events
- Vicarious trauma (frontline workers)
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoidance of reminders
- Hyper-vigilance, startle
- Numbness, low mood
- Sleep disturbance
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Trauma-focused CBT, EMDR
- SSRIs / SNRIs
- Prazosin for nightmares
- Group support
- Treat substance use, depression
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Early psychological first aid
- Support networks
- Limit re-exposure to trauma media
- Treat acute stress within weeks
Do’s
- Talk to a trauma-trained therapist
- Practice grounding techniques
- Limit news / triggering media
- Keep regular sleep and movement
Don’ts
- Use alcohol to numb
- Avoid all reminders forever
- Watch graphic news of similar events
- Hide it — share with trusted ones
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.